The European Cockpit Association (ECA) is conducting a “one means none” campaign to warn of the dangers of single-pilot flight crews, which, according to reports, are advocated by carriers and aircraft manufacturers.
ECA is an association representing more than 40,000 pilots from national pilot associations in 33 European countries, with three affiliated members. It is committed to increasing safety in aviation and promoting social rights and quality employment of pilots in Europe.
In the campaign description, ECA describes how airlines and aircraft manufacturers want to reduce the number of pilots flying the aircraft from two to one. However, relying on one pilot is not enough because a flight with only one pilot is like a flight without a pilot, according to the association. In addition, they point out that airplanes, especially commercial ones, require more pilots to fly safely. Flight safety relies on a team of pilots sharing tasks and working together. Their roles include aircraft management, flight monitoring, automation management and managing all risks in a complex and changing environment. If the pilot becomes incapacitated or unwell, there will be no one in the cockpit to quickly take control. “Reduced Crew Operations (RCO) is gambling with your safety,” ECA warns.
When asked whether the automation of systems and procedures can replace pilots in the cockpit, ECA emphasizes: “Automation in an aircraft requires people to program it and operate it effectively. In addition, it often does not work reliably. Two pilots work as a team, they serve as a critical safety net, monitoring systems, and mitigating potential hazards before they escalate. Aircraft are also equipped with multiple backups—such as two engines, two generators, two hydraulic systems, and two navigation receivers—this redundancy is critical to maintaining today’s impressive safety records. If one system fails, the other kicks in. The same goes for pilots: if one gets sick or needs to go to the toilet, the other has to take over.”
The main reason the carrier encourages automation in flying and removes one of the pilots from the cockpit is its desire to increase profits and reduce external influences that affect flight operations, such as sick leave, annual vacations, or maternity leave. However, although ECA states that it understands the reason, it considers that such actions threaten flight safety.
“The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is considering allowing single-pilot flights, under pressure from manufacturers and airlines. It is up to all of us – passengers and crew – to oppose this move and protect our safety,” European of the Cockpit Association concluded.
And now we ask you, would you like to fly in a commercial aircraft piloted by one pilot? Take our survey and we’ll announce the results on October 22, 2024.
