Airbus' Single-Pilot Plan Divides Aviation Industry
The future of aviation is under debate as technology advances. While Airbus explores single-pilot operations, safety experts and pilot associations voice concerns. Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) investigates the feasibility of reduced crew operations.
Airbus' Dragonfly project is at the forefront of this discussion. It tests autonomous flight on a modified A350-1000, aiming to improve safety in case of crew incapacitation. The project's avionics mimic a dragonfly's 360-degree vision, perceiving the entire environment of the aircraft. However, EASA found that current cockpit designs do not achieve the same safety level with a single pilot as the two-pilot standard. Further research is needed for safer solutions.
Jennifer Homendy, head of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has spoken out against reducing crew members. She emphasises that technology should enhance safety, not replace expertise and judgment. Pilot associations share these concerns, highlighting the numerous questions that need clarification before single-pilot operations can be seriously discussed.
NASA, however, advocates for a change of perspective in aviation safety. They highlight cases where the crew's intervention and judgment prevent accidents. Discussions about the feasibility and desirability of implementing autonomous flight in air traffic are ongoing.
Airbus plans to certify the A350F for operation with only one pilot during cruise flight, a concept known as Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO). Yet, safety investigations and expert opinions caution against rushing into single-pilot operations. As technology advances, the aviation industry must balance innovation with safety and expertise.
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