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

Electric vertical takeoff and land aircraft, better known as eVTOLs or even flying cars, are scheduled to make their aerial debut flying passengers as early as 2024. Airbus’ CityAirbus electric vertical takeoff and land aircraft.

Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance/Getty

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. A rendering of Beta Technologies’ eVTOL aircraft.

UPS

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. Joby Aviation’s eVTOL design.

Joby Aviation

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

Joby Aviation

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