Proposals for commercial aircraft to operate with a single pilot have been suspended following a critical report from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The comprehensive study, which spanned three years and focused on “extended minimum crew operations,” concluded that current technological advancements do not sufficiently support the safety of flying with just one pilot instead of the traditional two.
The report, published on October 15, 2023, indicates that reducing the number of pilots could compromise safety, particularly during critical phases of flight. It emphasized that “an equivalent level of safety with current two-crew operations cannot be sufficiently demonstrated.” This conclusion resonated with pilot groups, who had strongly opposed the proposed changes.
Despite the push for innovation in cockpit technology, airlines and aircraft manufacturers have not publicly advocated for a shift to single-pilot operations. The current regulations require three or four crew members on long-haul flights due to existing cockpit designs and limitations on flying hours.
Safety and Technological Limitations
The EASA report highlighted significant concerns related to pilot incapacitation, fatigue, and the importance of collaborative cross-checking between pilots. It suggested that while advancements in cockpit technology could potentially ease pilots’ workloads in the future, more research is necessary to ensure safety.
The report noted, “Development of cockpit technology and further research will be needed before exploring the feasibility of such operational concepts.” Future innovations may include a “smart cockpit” capable of monitoring pilot alertness but would require robust measures to prevent security threats.
Security issues remain particularly sensitive in aviation. Following the 2001 terrorist attacks, reinforced cockpit doors were introduced to enhance safety. However, the 2015 Germanwings crash demonstrated the risks associated with cockpit access, where a co-pilot locked the captain out of the flight deck.
The European Cockpit Association, representing pilot unions across Europe, welcomed the report as a “reality check.” They have long expressed concerns about manufacturers and airlines pursuing single-pilot operations. A spokesperson stated, “The reality is that manufacturers and avionics developers remain deeply engaged in advancing technologies aimed at removing one pilot from the cockpit.”
Industry Response and Future Considerations
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus responded to the report by reaffirming its commitment to safety. A spokesperson stated, “For the foreseeable future, this means having a well-rested and competent human pilot in command of a robust and flexible system, including appropriate automation.” Airbus emphasized that pilots will continue to play a crucial role in operations.
EASA has indicated that there is no immediate timeline for revising current regulations. A spokesperson confirmed that single-pilot operations are “extremely complex and not foreseeable in the next decade.” While the report acknowledged the potential for future innovations, it stipulated that any consideration of these concepts would hinge on demonstrating their safety benefits in current two-pilot operations.
This report follows a recent incident involving an Air India crash, which has raised new concerns regarding the role of pilots in aviation safety. Martin Chalk, a former British Airways pilot and past general secretary of the pilots’ union Balpa, remarked, “Having two pilots obviously did not stop the Air India crash—but if this is a human factors issue, a single pilot is certainly not going to help.”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also weighed in, stating that it does “not see significant demand or momentum toward single-pilot operations in commercial aviation.” They noted that many current aircraft are designed for two-pilot operations and will remain in service for the next 25 years, reinforcing the relevance of the two-pilot model.
As discussions around pilot operations evolve, the findings of this EASA report underscore the critical balance between technological advancement and safety in aviation.
