Associations Urge Airbus to Reconsider Single-Pilot Cockpit Proposal

Several pilot associations are expressing concern about Airbus’ proposal to move toward single-pilot operations in the cockpit. [AVweb]

Several pilot associations are sounding the alarm on Airbus’ proposal to move toward single-pilot operations in the cockpit.

In an August 6 letter to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) president Jason Ambrosi urged the manufacturer to reconsider its proposal to reduce cockpit crew from two to one from entering the commercial aviation environment.

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Ambrosi cited the recent CrowdStrike cybersecurity incident as an example of the risks associated with an overreliance on technology. Ambrosi stated that technology should complement human expertise and monitored airline operations rather than replace it.

“Technological advancements can and have enhanced aviation safety, but in order to maintain and enhance our current level of safety, technology alone will never replace the indispensable role of two pilots in the flight deck,” Ambrosi said in the letter.

In addition to ALPA, the letter garnered support signatures from leaders of the European Cockpit Association and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations, which represent tens of thousands of pilots around the world.

This article first appeared on AVweb.com.

Air Line Pilots Association Airbus Aircraft ALPA Aviation News CrowdStrike European Cockpit Association Guillame Faury International Federadtion of Air Line Pilots' Associations Latest from Flying Pilots

Amelia WalshContributor

Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.