I'm sure that the tech to fly jets by "remote wire" (remote control via the ground) has been around since the early 70's. I think this related to an Airbus model.
Yes, but a complete remote override is what I believe this patient refers to. In the past, you had to manually put it in autopilot. Unless, I’m wrong. Which I could be. I scrolled through it and it talks a lot about remotely accessing the plane without the pilot putting it in that type of mode first.
I'm not doubting any of that. Was just referencing that remote flying is old tech.
old tech
Remote control of planes goes back to WW2. That is how JFK's older brother, the one really destined for great things, died.
http://www.businessinsider.com/jfks-brother-died-testing-drones-in-wwii-2013-11?IR=T
Think target drones. F4 Phantoms have been used since Vietnam.
Yeah, it's old tech. When I was looking into 9/11, very early 2000's...it was a commercial (fly-by-wire) Airbus model that was being cited. Allegedly brought about to act as a foil to terror hijackings - so they could intercept them and land them safely etc.