FAA and ALPA Leaders Reiterate the Importance of Having Two Pilots on Deck

On September 11, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) kicked off its annual Air Safety Forum with a keynote speaker: FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. In this, Whitaker reinforced the importance of keeping two pilots in the cockpit on every flight.

This discussion comes, as most know, in light of a large pilot deficit. As aircraft automation and autopilot systems become more developed, Airlines have considered reducing the number of pilots in the cockpit to just one. Though this would help significantly with the shortage, regulators have questioned the safety of single pilot operations.

Formal talks of this possibility began in 2022 when the ICAO received requests from over 40 countries. There are many factors to consider, including pilot awareness, fatigue, and incapacitation, before this could become a reality.

In the opening remarks of this year’s ALPA Air Safety Forum, Whitaker made it very clear where the FAA stands. This confirmation is critical as European manufacturers make a move to start extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO) as soon as 2027.

“Two well-trained, well-rested pilots in the flight deck is a key pillar of safety,’ Whitaker explained. “It is the law of the land, and I intend for it to stay the law. We have been engaging more with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and will be engaging on a quarterly basis so this issue will remain front and center.”

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of ALPA, also reiterated his stance on the matter. He referenced audit data, revealing aircraft malfunctions on nearly 20% of flights. However, having trained pilots in the cockpit ensures that 99.9994% of these instances have safe outcomes.

“Airline pilots know better than anyone that things can—and do—go wrong on any flight, and at any time,” commented Ambrosi. “We are trained and ready to address any issue in flight from an engine fire to an automation failure. It’s at least two pilots on the flight deck at all times that make the difference to ensure the safety of those onboard.”

The remainder of the 2024 Air Safety Forum honored pilots’ contributions to maintaining safety and security whenever possible. Several additional panels, led by industry experts, were held to address existing and emerging safety issues.

FMI: www.alpa.org