I flew an eVTOL simulator around Los Angeles and saw why they may make traditional pilots obsolete- here’s what it was like

Startups are nearing the finish line for the helicopter-like aircraft that aim to transform how commuters get around congested cities and how cargo is transported to remote communities.

Read More: UPS reveals plan to buy hundreds of helicopter-like electric aircraft to buzz around cities delivering packages — take a look

But while the tech is set to revolutionize the skies, the question remains: who will fly them? Airlines know better than anyone that there’s a global pilot shortage and the urban air mobility market is set to face a similar fate.

That’s why eVTOL developers are building their aircraft to fly without pilots altogether by using autonomous, self-flying technology.

Read More: I flew on a self-flying plane where pilots sat back as the aircraft taxied, took off, and landed on its own and I’m convinced it’s the future of aviation

Until that goal is achieved, however, there will have to be human beings flying the aircraft. And to ward against a pilot shortage grounding the UAM industry, developers are simplifying systems…