Four Critical Gaps Raise Serious Concerns

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, issued a response to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance that shines a spotlight on serious safety risks associated with Extended Minimum Crew Operations or eMCO.

The results of the research reflect the concerns raised by ALPA and pilots’ associations globally and also confirm the reality that the most critical safety feature on airline flights is the presence of two well-trained and rested pilots in the cockpit at all times.

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of ALPA commented, “It's unconscionable that some corporate interests are willing to prioritize profits over safety by pushing to reduce the number of pilots on the flight deck. As airline pilots, we know firsthand that no level of automation can match the training, experience, and judgment of a professional flight crew, especially when faced with complex, time-critical situations.”

The study, sponsored by the Aerospace Medical Association, identified four critical areas where eMCO present unacceptable risks to passenger – and crew – safety:

Detecting Incapacitation: Current technology cannot reliably detect when a pilot becomes incapacitated during flight.

Monitoring Systems: No proven technology exists to monitor pilot alertness, detect subtle impairment, or ensure the flying pilot remains fully capable during single-pilot operations.

Fatigue Impacts: No scientific data are available to predict how eMCO will affect pilot performance, with fatigue a major consideration. The critical 2:00–6:00 am window poses particular concerns for single pilots operating in cruise conditions.

Human Needs: Medical or physiological requirements may force pilots to terminate the eMCO segment and negate claimed benefits.

Ambrosi added, “The aviation industry's remarkable safety record didn't happen by chance—it's the result of rigorous training, high standards, and the presence of two pilots on the flight deck. Two pilots mean two layers of protection for every passenger we serve.”

Earlier this year, EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which has been considering eMCO for commercial air travel, validated safety risks in its own assessment published in the European Plan for Aviation Safety. Its final report stated: “An equivalent level of safety between eMCO and the current two-crew operations cannot be sufficiently demonstrated.”

Ambrosi concluded by saying, “Any pursuit or attempt to allow only one pilot during certain phases of flight is not only unsafe, it’s insane—and ALPA is committed to making sure it never happens. ALPA and our global partners will continue leading the charge to keep two highly trained, qualified, and well-rested pilots on every flight deck at all times.”

FMI:  www.asma.org/