Airlines
European regulator rules out single-pilot flying by 2030
A single pilot would be flying passenger jets instead of two, according to airlines and regulators. It would save costs and relieve pressure from crew shortages, but some people find it disturbing to place such authority in the hands of a single individual.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also been collaborating with aircraft manufacturers to develop guidelines for regulating solo flights and to assess how they would function. EASA stated that these services might begin in 2027.
The regulator is considering a proposal from European aircraft manufacturers Airbus SE and Dassault Aviation for solo flight during the cruise phase, which is less taxing than takeoff and landing but still requires at least two pilots to be in the cockpit.
Since the relaxing of regulations would permit pilots to rest during lengthy flights without replacements being on board, the aviation industry wants solo flying to help ease a challenging labor crisis.
An earlier industry plan for sole-pilot flying by 2030 was “absolutely not practical,” according to Andrea Boiardi, a manager with the regulator (EASA), because automation had not advanced enough and solo flight required a degree of safety similar to current operations.
The International Civil Aviation Organization, the individual airlines, and their pilot unions must all approve solo flying, even when on a cruise. Early this year, the U.N. organization is anticipated to start studying the issue.
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Boiardi stated that only the most sophisticated aircraft, outfitted with a higher level of safety than required by basic certification standards, could be utilized for solo flight in cruise. They might include Boeing 777Xs and 787s as well as Airbus A350s. In the first in-depth interview, EASA has given on the subject. EASA was soliciting opinions on the issue from airlines and pilots in a process that was anticipated to end in March.
Eventually, long-haul crews that currently required three or four pilots might be reduced to two, with both in the cockpit for takeoff and landing. If safety was established. However, even limited solo flying is causing friction between airlines and public unease while also igniting a growing opposition among pilot organizations like the European Cockpit Association.
