Flying Solo: The Future of Commercial Aviation

Regulators are putting the brakes on single-pilot flying in commercial aviation. A US law signed in February 2026 requires at least two rested pilots on every commercial passenger flight. This law blocks the development of "extended Minimum Crew Operations" (eMCO), which would allow a two-pilot crew to rotate while one rests. eMCO was seen as a step towards single-pilot flying, but it's now on hold.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had proposed single-pilot flying as early as 2027. They argued that costs could be cut and unexpected crew shortages would become less of a problem. However, the EASA also acknowledged that aircraft manufacturers would have to change cabin designs to ensure safety. The EASA pointed out that automation would reduce the high workload experienced by pilots.

The main concern with single-pilot flying is pilot incapacitation events. These are rare events where a pilot becomes unable to carry out their duties due to physiological factors. A number of factors can cause pilot incapacitation, such as hypoxia, smoke and fumes, and severe gastrointestina...[truncated]

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