EU Pilots Oppose Single-Pilot Flights Proposed by Aircraft Makers

The European Cockpit Association (ECA) has launched a campaign against the controversial proposal to reduce commercial flight crews from two pilots to one. This initiative comes in response to efforts by several aircraft manufacturers, such as Airbus and Dassault, to implement single-pilot operations starting in 2027.

“Having only one pilot in the cockpit during a long flight endangers the safety of 200 to 400 passengers and those on the ground,” stated Captain Otjan de Bruijn, President, ECA. He emphasized that pilots not only fly the plane but also supervise each other, manage aircraft automation, and respond swiftly to any safety threats in a highly complex environment. He further remarked, “Single-pilot flights are a dangerously driven concept by the commercial interests of manufacturers and airlines.”

Currently, international regulations require two pilots at the controls of a large commercial aircraft for operational and safety reasons. Aviation authorities worldwide have established these norms to ensure flight safety. However, proponents argue that advances in technology allow for safe single-pilot operations, particularly during the less demanding cruise phase of flight. Airbus and Dassault are among the manufacturers advocating for this change, suggesting that it could be done without compromising safety.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is currently evaluating the proposal for Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO) submitted by these manufacturers. This proposal would permit one pilot to leave the cockpit for several hours during the cruise phase while the other pilot remains at the controls. The ECA argues that this would hinder the effective management of complex tasks such as cross-verification and mutual support between pilots, as well as emergency response.

Data collected by the ECA indicates significant passenger and pilot concern over the proposed changes. According to their findings, 75% of passengers are unaware of the proposal to operate with a single pilot, while 60% feel less safe with one pilot at the controls. Additionally, 85% of pilots believe this measure would increase in-flight safety risks. These statistics underscore the widespread apprehension among both passengers and aviation professionals regarding the implications of this proposal.

“Pilots not only fly an aircraft; we supervise each other and all aspects of the flight, manage aircraft automation, and quickly address any safety, security, or operational risks in a very complex and rapidly changing environment,” de Bruijn reiterated.

Despite the opposition, advocates of the proposal argue that allowing single-pilot operations during the cruise phase could address the shortage of flight crews and reduce operational costs. They claim that this initiative would not only save money but also maintain safety standards due to technological advancements. However, the ECA contends that technological progress does not eliminate the necessity of human supervision of these systems, which are still prone to failure.

“Although technological advances and automation have contributed to improving the safety and efficiency of flights in recent decades, human supervision of these failure-prone systems remains paramount,” the pilots argue.

For the proposal to move forward, it requires approval not only from EASA but also from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), airlines, and their unions. This multi-tiered approval process highlights the significant regulatory and operational hurdles that proponents must overcome before single-pilot operations can be implemented.