Not two but one pilot in the cockpit: aircraft manufacturers want to use technology to reduce the size of the crew in the cockpit, but pilots are strongly against this and are therefore starting a campaign at Schiphol today. ‘Don’t gamble with safety’ is their motto.
Aircraft manufacturers have been developing technology for years to replace one of the two pilots. This should save costs and partly solve the pilot shortage.
Yet the pilots are anything but enthusiastic. They fear that reducing the crew will be at the expense of safety and are therefore starting a protest campaign petition.
Not proven
The Dutch Airline Pilots Association (VNV) emphasizes that new technology should only be introduced if it improves safety. “That has not been proven,” Hugo Lantain of VNV told NH. “While as pilots it is our duty to bring people safely to their destination.”
His organization insists that independent studies should first be carried out to map out the medical and psychological consequences. They also want an independent study into the actual costs and benefits.
He calls it a certainty that two pilots are safer than one. “A pilot can suddenly not feel well or an engine failure can occur,” he gives as examples. “The pilots can then check and support each other.