Pilots are concerned about a new plan: aircraft manufacturers want to replace the copilot with technology. They think it is irresponsible and unsafe. Today, the Association of Dutch Airline Pilots (VNV) is launching a campaign under the motto ‘Safe Flight? Two pilots in the air!’
According to the builders, the plan will save costs and partly solve the pilot shortage. “This plan may generate money, but it represents a major cutback in safety. It is our duty to ensure that travelers reach their destination safely,” Camiel Verhagen, chairman of the VNV, said on NH Radio.
Verhagen states that two pilots in the cockpit are important, because each has their own task. One is responsible for flying, the other is concerned with procedures, navigation and communication. According to him, something unexpected happens during 9 out of 10 flights, and that is precisely when that extra pilot is so important. “We then think: ‘why not add that technology so that safety actually increases?'” says Verhagen.
Campaign
If it were up to the builders, single-pilot flights would start in three years. Far too fast for unproven technology, says VNV. Verhagen: “In America, a study was already published in 2017 showing that removing a pilot from the cockpit poses an irresponsibly high safety risk. That is why they got rid of it. Here in the EU we seem to want to continue, and that is why we have started this campaign.”
Today, pilots are at Schiphol Airport handing out flyers and calling on people to sign the petition ikwilveiligvliegen.nl.