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Pilots Voice Concerns Over AI in Flight Decks, Citing Safety Risks
Aviation professionals have cautioned that proposals under evaluation by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into flight operations could “diminish safety standards.” The EASA is reportedly considering concepts to employ this technology during segments of flights, with prominent aerospace manufacturers Airbus and Dassault reportedly advocating for AI-assisted flights with a reduced crew of just one pilot.
Pilot Union Condemns AI-Driven Flight Plans
In response to these emerging plans, the Spanish pilots union, SEPLA, has strongly criticized the initiatives. Ángel González, a seasoned pilot and SEPLA director, expressed deep reservations, stating, “The current proposition is an anomaly that contravenes established safety protocols.”
Fundamental Safety Principles at Stake
González emphasized the critical importance of the two-pilot system in the cockpit, asserting, “The existing protocol of maintaining two pilots in the flight deck is paramount because its absence unequivocally compromises safety.” He further elaborated, “Onboard an aircraft, all essential checks and operational procedures necessitate redundancy to mitigate potential errors. Furthermore, continuous oversight by a pilot monitoring both the flight parameters and the co-pilot’s actions is indispensable.”
AI Limitations in Critical Flight Situations
Mr. González further argued that, “AI systems lack the capacity to rectify errors or exercise situational judgment. Critical decision-making relying on human insight is indispensable, a domain where AI falls short.”
He also pointed out the limited industry-wide support, noting, “The broader airline industry is not endorsing this; it is primarily two corporations currently experimenting with single-pilot cockpit operations. The majority of aviation firms prioritize safety, unlike these two entities.” However, the EASA clarified that the plans under review do not involve implementing flights with solely one pilot.
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EASA Clarifies Focus on Crew Optimization, Not Single Pilot Operations
The regulatory body clarified its focus, stating that it is evaluating the integration of AI to optimize crew allocation on long-duration flights, rather than to authorize single-pilot flights. The EASA explained, “While single-pilot flight concepts have been suggested, they have been definitively rejected. Flights manned by a single pilot are not under consideration due to the inherent complexities and unpredictable factors involved.” The agency countered accusations of misrepresentation, attributing the confusion to pilot groups and media outlets.
Exploring AI Assistance for Long-Haul Flight Stages
The EASA specified that the ongoing evaluation pertains to long-haul flights, which typically necessitate dual flight crews for mandated rest periods. The agency is investigating the feasibility of utilizing AI to potentially decrease the required number of pilots. According to reports from el Economista, the assessment includes scenarios where a single pilot could manage the aircraft, supported by technological augmentation, during specific flight phases. However, critical flight stages, such as take-off and landing, would still require the presence of two pilots.
The agency detailed the concept further: “A lone pilot might be stationed in the cockpit during particular phases of flight, specifically during cruise altitude. This would necessitate substantial technological advancements to ensure reliable detection of any pilot incapacitation.”
Projected Timeline for AI Implementation Study
The EASA indicated that the timeline for this comprehensive study is still being determined. Preliminary findings could be anticipated by 2029, with potential formal implementation by 2030.