An emerging hot-button topic in aviation centers on a concept that reduces the number of pilots on the flight deck of transport-category (Part 25) airliners and business jets. Strong opinions on the subject pit major aircraft manufacturers against airline pilot unions, while regulators begin to study the feasibility of the idea from both the safety and efficiency standpoint.
From a manufacturer’s perspective, Airbus and Dassault Aviation are “all in,” leveraging technology to reduce the number or remove pilots from the cockpit altogether, while Boeing seems far less committed to the idea. [Ed note: Dassault is exploring single-pilot operations for its Falcon 10X only in straight-and-level cruise operations. Also, thousands of in-service Cessna, Embraer, and Cirrus light jets are already certified for single-pilot operations.]
Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.
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