Aviation
Commercial /
Europe
Not so early
EASA rules out single-pilot operations, but keeps doors open
Airbus A350-1000
Image: Airbus
Rafael Ramos
2/7/2023
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) rules out the possibility of flights with only one pilot in 2023. However, the agency considers proposals from Airbus and Dassault Aviation in this regard.
EASA says that only modern planes equipped with very high safety levels could be used on this type of flight, such as the A350, the B787 and perhaps the 777X, when certified. However, he emphasizes that it is unfeasible for flights with only one pilot to take place before 2027. In addition to all the safety and automation requirements, this change would still require approvals from the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), airlines and other regulatory bodies .
In this sense, flights with a single pilot could happen in parts as early as 2027. The idea defended is that the most critical phases of the flight, such as landing and takeoff, should continue to happen with two pilots, but the solo flight could happen in cruise phase of the flight, which is less demanding for pilots.
Although there are pilots in favor of solo flying, including requests to ICAO for this mode to be safe, there are still pilots who are not in favor, such as the captain of the Qantas A330, Tony Lucas, who has safety concerns. "The people who go that route are not the people who fly jets every day. When things go wrong, they go wrong quickly," he said.
Furthermore, the UK Civil Aviation Authority agreed that the single-pilot operation would affect areas such as crew training, workers' mental health and job satisfaction.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Image: Boeing
Hyperlinks:
...
...
...
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
|
|