Pilots Union in the Netherlands Opposes Single-Pilot Cockpit Plans, Citing Safety Concerns

A Dutch pilots’ union has voiced strong opposition against proposals to operate flights with only one pilot in the cockpit, citing significant safety concerns. In a public demonstration, airline pilots at Schiphol Airport distributed flyers to passengers, highlighting the risks associated with reducing the flight deck crew to a single pilot. This initiative aims to draw attention to Airbus’s plans to introduce technology capable of substituting for a second pilot at any given time.

The union, NVN, has challenged the assertion by Airbus that such technological advancements would enhance flight safety. They argue that the importance of having two pilots collaborate in the cockpit cannot be overstated, a stance supported by international studies and the inherent limitations of automated systems.

“Humans are the critical factor for maintaining high safety standards in aviation,” the pilots’ association stated, emphasizing that systems cannot replicate human attributes like creativity, resilience, and teamwork. They advocate for the integration of new technology that bolsters safety, but insist that it should complement, not replace, the teamwork between two pilots.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has shown interest in this concept, indicating a willingness to consider single-pilot operations on a limited scale by 2027. However, the pilots’ union is urging aviation stakeholders to refrain from substituting a pilot with untested technology, calling for an independent and thorough investigation into the potential implications of such a move, including its medical, psychological, and economic aspects.

EASA has noted that the transition to single-pilot aircraft across the board by the end of the decade is “absolutely unrealistic,” acknowledging the limitations of current automation technology. The debate continues as industry professionals and regulators weigh the potential benefits against the paramount importance of safety in aviation.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, jalopnik.com