![]() ![]() "Airbus would have had to make sure every situation can be handled autonomously without any pilot input for 15 minutes," the source said. The Air France (AIRF.PA) A330's copilots lost control after its speed sensors failed over the Atlantic, while the captain was resting. ![]() They also point to higher error rates from human pilots than automated systems.īoth arguments miss the point, according to a source close to Lufthansa - who said the airline's executives were advised last year that the programme could not meet safety goals.įlying solo for hours is a "completely different story", the source said, citing the 2009 AF447 disaster as an example of malfunctions occurring in cruise. Proponents suggest single-pilot operations may be accepted by a flying public used to crew leaving the cockpit for bathroom breaks. The mid-sized plane is suitable because of its "emergency descent" feature that quickly reduces altitude without pilot input in the event of cabin depressurisation. Use of a specially designed unisex toilet would be possible during the shift, in coordination with air traffic control. In a closed-door industry briefing this year, the agency suggested reduced-crew flights would begin with a single operator, according to notes of the meeting reviewed by Reuters.Īirbus has designed an A350 autopilot upgrade and flight warning system changes to help a lone pilot manage failures, sources close to the project said. China's support is key to any Cathay deployment.ĮASA plans consultations this year and certification work in 2022, while acknowledging "significant risk" to the 2025 launch date, a spokesman said. aviation body ICAO and countries whose airspace they cross. Single-pilot operations, currently limited to planes with up to nine passengers, would need backing from U.N. regulators, De Bruijn said the programme's cost-cutting approach "could lead to higher risks". Invoking the 737 MAX crisis, which exposed Boeing's (BA.N) inappropriate links to U.S. "We struggle to understand the rationale," said Otjan de Bruijn, head of the European Cockpit Association representing EU pilots. "It makes sense to say OK, instead of having two in the cockpit, we can have one in the cockpit, the other one taking a rest, provided we're implementing technical solutions which make sure that if the single one falls asleep or has any problem, there won't be any unsafe conditions." "Typically on long-haul flights when you're at cruise altitude there's very little happening in the cockpit," EASA chief Patrick Ky told a German press briefing in January. Both remain in the cockpit for take-off and landing. If the flight encounters a problem or the pilot flying is incapacitated, the resting copilot can be summoned within minutes. Safe deployment will require constant monitoring of the solo pilot's alertness and vital signs by on-board systems, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has said. ![]()
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