New Aeromedical Study Raises Critical Safety Concerns Over Proposed Reduced Crew Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A recent study published in the journal Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance highlights serious safety risks associated with Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), a concept that would allow commercial airline aircraft to fly with a single pilot during cruise phases of flight. This new research echoes concerns raised by global pilots’ associations, including the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), and reaffirms the fundamental reality that the most important safety feature on every airline flight is two well-trained and rested pilots on the flight deck at all times.

“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,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president.

“Aeromedical Concerns About Extended Minimum Crew Operations” cited four major critical safety gaps where eMCO poses unacceptable risks to passenger safety:

• Incapacitation Detection Not Available: Current technology cannot reliably detect when a pilot becomes incapacitated during flight.
• Inadequate 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.
• Unknown Fatigue Impacts: Scientific data is not available to predict how eMCO will affect pilot performance, including impacts on fatigue. The critical 2:00–6:00 a.m. window poses particular concerns for single pilots operating in cruise conditions.
• Basic Human Needs: Medical conditions, bathroom needs, and physiological requirements may force the termination of the eMCO segment and negate claimed benefits.

“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," added Ambrosi.

Earlier this year, the European Union (EU) Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is considering the allowance of reduced crew operations in commercial air travel, published its annual update of the European Plan for Aviation Safety, validating what airline pilots have long warned—that removing a pilot from the flight deck undermines aviation safety.

The final report states plainly: “An equivalent level of safety between eMCO and the current two-crew operations cannot be sufficiently demonstrated.” This conclusion echoes the persistent concerns raised by the Safety Starts With 2 global pilot coalition, which includes ALPA and pilot associations from around the world.

“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,” said Ambrosi.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org