The Case Against Single Pilot Operations: An Appeal for Public Safety

By Captain Victor Silva Fernandes, Retired TRI/TRE Airline Pilot

As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life in the skies, mastering the art and science of aviation, I believe I have a responsibility to speak out on issues that could have profound implications for public safety. Today, I wish to discuss the topic of Single Pilot Operations (SPO), an idea that is gaining traction in some circles within the aviation industry. Let me first clarify: as a retired TRI/TRE airline pilot, I have no vested interest in resisting this change for professional reasons; my concerns are purely centered around public safety.

Regulatory Implications and Legal Authority

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to reconsider the move to SPO is the current regulatory landscape. In the wake of the Eurowings accident, international laws have been amended to mandate that more than one person be present in the cockpit at all times, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the importance of redundancy and multiple checks in the cockpit.

Furthermore, it is important to note that according to current law, the captain or commander of a flight is the sole authority on board. This legal provision essentially renders it illegal for a ground operator to assume command of a flight, negating one of the key arguments in favor of SPO.

Safety Concerns and Human Factors

The cockpit of a commercial airliner is an environment where the stakes are exceptionally high. Decision-making needs to be rapid yet considered, actions must be precise, and there is little margin for error. The presence of a co-pilot ensures that these imperatives are met by providing a crucial "second set of eyes." Dual pilotage enhances situational awareness and allows for cross-verification of essential tasks, reducing the likelihood of human error.

Fatigue and cognitive load are real issues in long-haul flights. The existing dual-pilot system allows for task sharing and periods of rest, ensuring that pilots are at their cognitive best when the situation demands it. Single Pilot Operations present a challenge to these human factors considerations that are not easily mitigated by automation alone.

Technological Limitations

Automation and AI technologies have made impressive strides in recent years. However, they are not without limitations. Machines cannot replicate human judgment and intuition, which are honed through years of training and real-world experience. Automation can, and does fail, requiring rapid human intervention to correct or compensate for system deficiencies or errors. A single pilot may not always have the bandwidth to manage these challenges effectively.

Cost vs. Safety

It is often argued that SPO will reduce operational costs. However, the question we need to ask is, at what cost to safety? When lives are at stake, the risk-benefit analysis needs to be weighted overwhelmingly in favor of safety. Technological investments, coupled with the potential for increased insurance premiums and legal risks, might even nullify the projected cost-saving benefits.

Public Trust

Finally, public perception should not be overlooked. Trust in air travel is integral to the industry's success, and the idea of a single-piloted commercial flight might raise concerns among passengers who are used to the established safety measures involving dual-piloted operations.

A Disturbing Trend: Impact on Pilot Recruitment

Before concluding, I'd like to bring attention to a particularly disturbing aspect of the SPO discussion—its impact on the next generation of pilots. It is no secret that the aviation industry is currently facing a pilot shortage. The move towards Single Pilot Operations exacerbates this issue by introducing uncertainty into the career prospects of aspiring pilots.

Aspiring aviators often invest upwards of €120,000 in training to realize their dreams. These individuals are now faced with confusing signals from an industry seemingly working against its own interests. While they are still in training, they are bombarded with information about emerging technologies and programs like SPO that could potentially put their career aspirations and substantial financial investment in jeopardy. This creates a disincentive for people to enter the profession, thereby perpetuating the pilot shortage.

This trend is not just counterproductive; it is potentially harmful to an industry that should be striving to attract the best and brightest talent to ensure that our skies remain as safe as possible.

By introducing an element of uncertainty in the career paths of aspiring pilots, the industry could be unknowingly harming its future. The emphasis should always be on making air travel safer, not merely more economical, and dual-piloted flights have proven their worth in this respect. It is imperative that we do not compromise public safety for operational efficiency or cost-saving benefits.

I urge the industry stakeholders to consider these points carefully. The skies are a shared space, and we have a collective responsibility to make them as safe as possible.

Conclusion

In summary, while I personally stand to lose nothing from the adoption of Single Pilot Operations, I am deeply concerned about the potential risks involved. Based on the current regulatory environment, technical limitations, and the undeniably critical role of human factors in aviation safety, I strongly believe that SPO is not a risk worth taking.

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