Single-pilot airline operations: Designing the aircraft may be the easy part

Abstract

For financial and operational reasons many aircraft manufacturers are working on the development of single-pilot commercial aircraft. It is suggested that cargo operations may commence in the early 2030s followed by passenger flights later that decade. Two technological approaches for the development of single-pilot airliners are being developed either based upon extant technology and operating concepts derived from uninhabited aviation systems and military aircraft, or alternatively based upon high levels of onboard autonomy/automation. This review considers the economic, technological, regulatory (safety) and societal acceptance of the single-pilot airliner, and examines some of the operational challenges that airlines may face. It is suggested that while the technological and safety challenges may be resolved, it is the operational challenges that may determine if the concept is ultimately viable.

A Collaborative Virtual Reality Flight Simulator: Efficacy, Challenges and Potential

“…What little empirical evidence that has been provided on the usefulness of VRFSs has been limited to single-user simulators (e.g., [3], [9]- [11]). This may be of benefit if single-pilot commercial operations are introduced, which may commence in the early 2030s [12]. However, within most current commercial pilot operations, the flight crew comprise of at least two collaborating pilots.…”

Joint human and autonomy teaming for defense: status, challenges, and perspectives

“…Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground, and maritime systems are increasingly being used to support a range of military missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and strike. 25,26 These systems can be operated remotely or autonomously, and their advanced sensors, communication systems, and AI/ML algorithms allow them to perform a variety of tasks with minimal human intervention. By working together, human, ASs and AI/ML algorithms can improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of military operations, allowing military forces to respond to rapidly evolving situations and make critical decisions in real-time.…”

The ombudsman in Hong Kong : a quest to improve public administration in the HKSAR

“…The captain on the flight deck is responsible for major strategic and tactical decisions and has ultimate responsibility for decision-making and the overall safety of the flight. The co-pilot helps the captain operate the airplane and maintain navigation [2], [3]. The following accident scenario describes teamwork between the pilot and co-pilot: "On January 15, 2009, an Airbus took off from LaGuardia Airport.…”

“…This aviation accidents, with no loss of life, underscores the importance of quick-access standard procedures and effective dual-pilot operation. Nevertheless, as a result of technological progress, a deficit of experienced pilots, and the drive for cost-effectiveness, a growing number of nations are turning their focus towards single-pilot and even remote operations in the field of aviation [2]. Single-pilot operation refers to the operation of an aircraft by one pilot, who is solely responsible for safely controlling the aircraft, navigating, communicating with air traffic control, and managing all other flight-related tasks.…”