Regulator Easa concludes there is not enough evidence it is as safe as flying with two pilots as currently required
Proposals for commercial aeroplanes to operate with just one pilot in the cockpit have been put on ice after a report for the European regulator suggested it would make flying more dangerous.
A three-year research project into “extended minimum crew operations” commissioned by the EU Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) found that despite advances in technology there was not sufficient evidence that flying with a single pilot could be as safe as with the two currently required.
The verdict has been welcomed by pilots’ groups, which had campaigned against potential changes to the rules.
Although airlines and manufacturers have not publicly argued for fewer pilots, the current cockpit design and regulations on maximum flying times mean three or four are required on long-haul flights.
