so i have to chime in. im a retired 30 year atc...2010...enroute..tower..tracon controller, It is happening, tower folks in 1984 when i was hired we had 2 clearance delivery controllers at Denver Stapleton, today 1 cpc can work all the clearances drink coffee and bs with anyone available..Why?
PDC, CDPC. I have since retirement worked at nex gen radar advances that 1 controller works 5 high alt enroute sectors with the aid of a computer.
the program resolves conflicts, spaces and sequences to the airport of each aircraft. I know,, what about wx, and such.. Not replacing the controller yet but reducing the numbers needed.
oh and by the way understanding the pilot is old school, ATC will not use radios...We will only send commands to the glass cockpit..the aircraft will respond not the pilot. its coming folks. Air Traffic monitors paid at 150K not a bad gig!