The idea of having just one pilot in the cockpit of a commercial aircraft is being put on hold.
On Tuesday, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published its latest safety roadmap, significantly tightening the conditions for the potential introduction of single-pilot operations.
Current regulations mandate the presence of two pilots in the cockpit throughout the entire flight, with long-haul flights requiring up to four pilots who rotate shifts. Airlines have been advocating for a reduction in the number of pilots, arguing that it would result in significant cost savings that could potentially lower ticket prices.
However, the proposed changes wouldn’t eliminate the second pilot entirely. During less critical phases of the flight, such as cruising, one pilot could leave the cockpit to rest, while both would still be required during crucial moments like takeoff and landing.
EASA has now introduced another regulatory hurdle. Before making any changes, the agency plans to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the impact of modern cockpit technologies. Only after a thorough assessment will it consider regulatory changes to safely integrate these technologies into commercial aviation. Originally, consultations were planned for 2025 with a final decision expected in 2027, but the timeline has now been extended to 2030.
The shift in approach may be attributed to new leadership within EASA. In April last year, Florian Guillermet took over as Executive Director and has expressed greater skepticism toward single-pilot operations compared to his predecessors. “EASA has adjusted its program to make it clear to all stakeholders that safety remains the top priority,” said agency spokesperson Janet Northcote. Previously, the agency had been more supportive of single-pilot initiatives.
One of the biggest advocates for the transition is European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which is collaborating with companies such as Dassault to develop autonomous flight systems. These upcoming “smart cockpits” aim to significantly reduce pilot workload while improving monitoring of their alertness and performance.
Two pilots are essential – what if one becomes incapacitated?
Pilot unions have strongly opposed the proposed changes. In a recent campaign, they posed the question, “Can you handle two emergencies at once?” alongside an image of an empty cockpit with a toilet in the middle. Tanja Harter, president of the European Cockpit Association (ECA), warned that while manufacturers and some airlines will continue to push for single-pilot operations, regulators must prioritize safety above all else.
