article_snippet: In 2006, Boeing was awarded a US patent for an ‘uninterruptible autopilot system’.
article_snippet: This would allow pilots, ground controllers or security agencies such as the CIA to activate an automatic flight mode that cannot be turned off by anyone on board.
article_snippet: The aircraft’s flight path could be radioed to The aircraft’s flight path by ground control, and The aircraft’s flight path would be brought safely down at a nearby airport using existing automatic landing aids.
article_snippet: The ability to direct pilotless aircraft from the ground is well established – military drones have long been used for surveillance and targeted missile attacks.
article_snippet: In 2013, a 16-seater Jetstream airliner became the first passenger plane to fly ‘unmanned’ across UK civilian airspace.
article_snippet: a 16-seater Jetstream airliner was controlled remotely from the ground for the 500-mile journey, though a pilot on board handled the take-off and landing.
article_snippet: ’ Aviation safety analyst Chris Yates said there had been frequent calls for remote-controlled aircraft takeover systems since 9/11.
article_snippet: ’ Aviation safety analyst Chris Yates added: ‘There has always been a desire to have the ability to control planes from the ground …
highlights_snippet: 'Uninterruptible autopilot system' would allow ground controllers to activate mode that cannot be turned off on jet .
  