Reduced Crew Operations

What are SPO and eMCO?

1. SPO (Single Pilot Operations):
   • A proposed operational concept in which only one pilot is present in the cockpit for all phases of flight, including critical ones such as takeoff, cruise, and landing. The intent is to use automation and ground support to replace the second pilot.

2. eMCO (Extended Minimum Crew Operations) or RCO (Reduced Crew Operations):
   • A concept that involves reducing the number of pilots actively managing the flight deck during the cruise phase. One pilot would remain at the controls while the other rests, potentially extending flight duty periods and minimizing the crew complement during flight. Aircraft manufacturers changed the initial term RCO to eMCO because of the negative (but factual) term “reduced”.

Risks of SPO and eMCO

The introduction of SPO and eMCO raises significant safety concerns that could undermine the resilience of commercial aviation. These risks are rooted in reduced redundancy, higher workload, and increased reliance on automation.

1. Reduced Redundancy:
   • Two pilots provide critical backup for each other, ensuring errors are caught and managed. Single-pilot setups eliminate this safeguard, increasing vulnerability to human errors.

2. Incapacitation Risks:
   • In a single-pilot scenario, there is no backup in case of pilot incapacitation due to health issues, fatigue, or emergencies.

3. Fatigue and Workload:
   • Managing a flight solo for extended periods increases mental and physical strain, heightening the risk of errors, task saturation, and fatigue.

4. Complex Emergency Management:
   • Coordinating responses to complex or unforeseen emergencies often requires the collaborative efforts of two pilots, which would be compromised in SPO or eMCO.

5. Technological Failures:
   • Automation and remote systems cannot yet match the adaptability, creativity, and decision-making capacity of human pilots in unforeseen circumstances.

6. Cybersecurity Risks:
   • Automation and remote operations increase vulnerability to cyberattacks, potentially endangering aircraft and passengers.

7. Reduced Situational Awareness:
   • A single pilot or ground-based remote support lacks the same level of situational awareness as a two-pilot cockpit, particularly in dynamic, high-pressure situations.

8. Social and Mental Health Challenges:
   • Extended isolation and reduced human interaction could negatively impact pilot mental well-being.

BeCA’s Position on SPO and eMCO (Aligned with ECA and IFALPA)

BeCA, in alignment with ECA and IFALPA, strongly opposes the adoption of SPO and eMCO concepts. They stress the importance of prioritizing safety over economic considerations and enhancing human capacity through technology.

1. Rejecting Reduced Crew Concepts:
   • BeCA, ECA, and IFALPA oppose SPO and eMCO, citing serious safety risks and the industry’s lack of evidence proving these concepts enhance safety.

2. Prioritizing Safety Over Economics:
   • They argue that the primary driver of these concepts is economic gain, which historically compromises safety. The focus should remain on enhancing, not replacing, human capacity.

3. Enhancing Existing Systems:
   • Automation should complement the capabilities of a two-pilot cockpit, not replace one pilot. The use of technology should aim to improve efficiency and safety while retaining human oversight.

4. Rigorous Risk Assessment:
   • Comprehensive analysis and independent expert reviews are required to address the significant hazards posed by SPO and eMCO before any implementation.

Recommended Actions for Pilots and Stakeholders

Addressing the risks of SPO and eMCO requires proactive engagement from pilots, airlines, and regulators. Clear guidelines and collective efforts are essential to uphold aviation safety.

1. For Pilots:
   • Advocate for retaining two-pilot operations.
   • Highlight safety concerns through organizational channels and incident reporting systems.

2. For Regulators and Airlines:
   • Conduct transparent, independent evaluations of SPO and eMCO risks.
   • Involve pilot organizations in discussions and decision-making to ensure operational expertise is factored into policies.

By upholding safety as the paramount goal, BeCA and its aligned organizations emphasize maintaining robust human involvement in aviation operations while leveraging technology to augment—not replace—pilot capabilities.

Further reading

Safety Starts with Two (https://safetystartswith2.com)

One Means None (https://www.onemeansnone.eu)

https://www.eurocockpit.eu/news/when-2-1-0

https://www.eurocockpit.eu/campaign/single-pilot-flights-gamble-safety