By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Pilots' Union Warns Against Proposed Reduction in Flight Crew Sizes
Aerospace manufacturers Airbus and Dassault have faced accusations of prioritizing profits over safety amid discussions by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to reduce the number of required pilots on commercial flights from two to one.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing over 78,000 pilots in the US and Canada, has voiced strong opposition, suggesting that such a move would compromise safety standards. ALPA President Capt. James Ambrosi warned that this issue is imminent and highlighted ongoing efforts by Airbus to quietly advance this change.
EASA is currently assessing the safety of extended minimum crew operations (eMCO), which would permit a single pilot to manage the flight deck while the other rests during long flights. This contrasts with the current standard where long haul flights are staffed with three pilots to allow for rest rotations. The agency is also exploring the feasibility of single pilot operations for cargo flights.
Airbus CEO Christian Scherer stated in an interview that while the technology exists to support single pilot cockpits, it essentially necessitates automated systems capable of managing the aircraft in case of pilot incapacitation.
ALPA has raised concerns about increased workloads and fatigue for solo pilots, and the heightened risk should a pilot become incapacitated. The union's report from June emphasized that the safety benefits of having at least two pilots on the flight deck are irreplaceable.
EASA reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety standards, asserting that any new operations must prove to be as safe as current two pilot standards. The agency also noted that any potential implementation of reduced pilot crews would not occur before 2027.
Labor unions, including the AFL CIO’s transportation trades department, have condemned the proposal, comparing it to similar profit driven decisions in the railroad industry, which recently faced scrutiny following a hazardous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Regulatory decisions and legislation mandating minimum crew sizes in transportation sectors continue to be contentious, with significant implications for both safety and operational standards.
