The controversial push for AI single-pilot ops: Airbus vs. Pilot associations

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As airlines struggle with pilot shortages and rising operational costs, the concept of single-pilot operations has emerged as a contentious talking point. At the forefront of this technological push is European aerospace conglomerate Airbus, whose efforts to develop AI-driven cockpit technology have sparked intense opposition from pilot associations worldwide. 

Airbus’s vision: A technological leap forward 

Airbus has been at the forefront of developing technologies to support ‘extended Minimum Crew Operations’ (eMCO). Christian Scherer, Chief Executive of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, highlighted the feasibility of these developments in an interview, stating: “Technologically, it is feasible. And bear in mind, if you go to a one-man cockpit, you might as well go to a zero-man cockpit.” 

Airbus has made significant strides in autonomous flight technologies through Project Morgan, an ambitious initiative presented to FedEx in 2022, that proposed two new freighters with the potential for reduced crew operations. This overarching project encompasses two key programs: DragonFly and Optimate.  

DragonFly, utilising an A350-1000 test aircraft, has successfully tested various autonomous features including automated emergency diversion, automatic landing and taxi assistance. Complementing this, Optimate focuses on enhancing pilot assistance during ground operations, initially using an innovative electric truck that replicates key aircraft cockpit functions.  

Collectively, these initiatives showcase Airbus’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology, with the ultimate goal of improving safety and efficiency, as well as potentially paving the way for reduced crew operations in the future. 

The opposition: pilot associations sound the alarm 

However, the push towards single-pilot operations has been met with fierce resistance from pilot associations worldwide. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has been particularly vocal in its opposition. ALPA President Jason Ambrosi has criticized the idea of replacing pilots with automation as “insane”. 

ALPA’s stance is backed by its recently updated white paper, “A Gamble with Safety: Reduced-Crew Operations’, which underscores the technical barriers that currently block the widespread implementation of autonomous decision-making and health monitoring necessary for single-pilot operations. 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has also voiced strong opposition to reduced crew operations. It has stated: “BALPA is aligned with the IFALPA and ECA positions in opposition to reduced crew and single pilot operations”. This unified front amongst pilot associations demonstrates the widespread concern within the aviation community about the safety implications of single-pilot operations. 

Historical context of crew complement 

The debate over crew complement is nothing new for the aviation industry. When the first Boeing 737s were introduced in the late 1960s, they initially required a three-person crew: captain, first officer and flight engineer. ALPA advocated for maintaining this crew complement even as the subsequent designs integrated more automation than their predecessors. The association argued for keeping an additional set of eyes, ears and hands on the flight deck as a safeguard in high-workload situations or in case of crew incapacitation. 

Only after rigorous testing proved the safety of a two-person crew did ALPA agree to what is now the industry standard: two pilots on the flight deck. This historical context underscores the importance of thorough safety evaluations before implementing significant changes to flight deck operations.  Public Perception and Concerns The idea of single-pilot operations doesn’t just face opposition from aviation professionals. It also raises significant concerns among the general public. According to a survey, 73% of US adults would never feel comfortable flying without two pilots on the flight deck, while 80% say remotely operated planes would make them feel less safe flying. The sentiment extends beyond the US, with 83% of Australians stating they would be more hesitant to book a commercial airline ticket if they knew there was only one pilot at the controls. Globally, 76% of adults in 15 surveyed countries expressed discomfort with the idea of pilotless planes. These statistics demonstrate the challenge that proponents of single-pilot operations face in gaining public trust and acceptance. 

Real-world examples highlight the importance of two pilots 

Historical and recent incidents have accentuated the critical importance of having two pilots in the flight deck.  

One well-known example occurred on June 10, 1990, when British Airways Flight 5390 experienced an explosive decompression that partially ejected the captain from the aircraft. As the BAC One-Eleven jet airliner began its flight from Birmingham to Málaga, an improperly installed windscreen panel separated from its airframe, forcing Captain Tim Lancaster head-first out of the cockpit. While members of the cabin crew held onto the captain by the legs to prevent him from being fully ejected, First Officer Alistair Atchison took control of the aircraft, safely landing it at Southampton Airport.  

More recently, in March 2023, Southwest Flight 6013 took off from Las Vegas destined for Columbus, Ohio, when one of the pilots experienced a medical emergency mid-flight. An off-duty pilot stepped in to assist the remaining pilot and helped the plane safely return to Las Vegas. This incident further illustrated that at least two pilots are required to share workloads during an emergency on the flight deck. 

At an ALPA press conference, FedEx Express Captain Hugo Carvajal and First Officer Robert Bradeen Jr. recounted their experience during Flight 1432 on February 4, 2023, where their combined efforts averted a potential collision with another aircraft during low visibility conditions. First Officer Brady emphasized: “When I think back on that day, had there been only one pilot on board, no matter who it was, the odds of a good outcome would be very low.” 

Similarly, Alaska Airlines First Officer Emily Wiprud, who was involved in the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident on January 5, 2024, when a door plug blew off mid-flight, stressed the importance of having two pilots in the flight deck. She said: “I’m thankful that there were two flight crew members in the flight deck as it enabled us to work as a seamless team in returning to the ground safely”. 

These real-world examples, spanning more than three decades, consistently demonstrate the importance of having multiple trained professionals in the cockpit to handle unexpected situations and ensure passenger safety. They provide compelling evidence for maintaining the two-pilot standard in commercial aviation. 

The debate: Safety vs. Innovation 

The core of the debate centers on the balance between technological innovation and safety. Airbus and other proponents of single-pilot operations argue that advanced AI and automation can actually enhance safety by reducing human error and fatigue. They point to successful tests of autonomous technologies as evidence that AI can reliably assist or even temporarily replace human pilots in certain situations. 

However, research conducted by NASA raises important concerns about single-pilot operations. A study by NASA’s Ames Research Center pointed to significant increases in workload for single pilot operations compared to two-crew configurations. The research showed that, while pilots were able to overcome failure mode effects in all crew configurations, subjective assessments of safety and performance were significantly degraded in single-pilot scenarios. 

Additionally, pilot associations emphasize the irreplaceable value of human judgment and experience in the flight deck. They argue that having two pilots provides crucial redundancy and allows for better decision-making in complex or emergency situations. 

Challenges beyond technology 

While much of the focus has been on technological solutions, research from Coventry University suggests that designing the aircraft may be the easier part of implementing single-pilot operations. The study highlights that human factors, such as pilot fatigue, workload management and decision-making under stress, present significant challenges that go beyond technological solutions. 

The research highlights the need for a holistic approach to single-pilot operations, considering not just the technological aspects but also the psychological and physiological demands on the pilot. This includes addressing issues such as pilot incapacitation, communication with air traffic control, and maintaining situational awareness during long-haul flights.  

Regulatory hurdles and future outlook 

The path to implementing single-pilot operations is not just a matter of technological development. It also involves significant regulatory challenges. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is currently evaluating the safety implications of the Airbus/Dassault proposal for eMCO. However, EASA has stated that no changes will be implemented before 2027, and single-pilot operations for commercial airline flights, if they ever happen, would be much further off. 

As of now, the timeline for potential implementation of single-pilot operations remains uncertain. While Airbus had initially aimed for cargo flight implementation by 2026 and passenger flights by 2030, industry sources suggest that these timelines may be overly optimistic. The regulatory process, which includes rulemaking and standards development by both EASA and the FAA, is expected to be lengthy and rigorous. 

The complex path forward 

The push for AI-driven single-pilot operations represents one of the most significant and controversial developments in modern aviation. As the debate continues, it’s clear that any move towards single-pilot operations will require extensive testing, regulatory approval and public acceptance. 

Whether or not single-pilot operations become a reality in the coming decades remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that this debate will continue to shape the future of aviation, influencing everything from aircraft design and pilot training to regulatory frameworks and public perception of air travel safety. As technology continues to advance, the aviation industry must navigate the delicate balance between innovation and the paramount concern of passenger safety. The post The controversial push for AI single-pilot ops: Airbus vs. Pilot associations appeared first on AeroTime.

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