Advances in automation technology could mean that one day only one pilot is needed in the cockpit of commercial aircraft. Key requirements for the implementation of single-pilot operations (SPO) is preserving the safety levels as in current multi-pilot operations and addressing risks such as in-flight pilot incapacitation.

These safety requirements were at the core of the operational concept developed by SAFELAND, which aimed at supporting a single-piloted aircraft during the flight and landing in case the single pilot on board becomes incapacitated. The concept was predicated on the interaction of a ground-based operator working from a  remote ground station position with on-board automation and air traffic controllers. 

The SAFELAND concept assumed that the single-piloted aircraft is equipped with more sophisticated automation than the current CS-25 certified aircraft (e.g., onboard pilot health monitoring system, reliable and sufficient command and control (C2) datalink, and an advanced system capable of autonomously landing the aircraft). In addition, the concept envisaged remote pilots operating from the ground to monitor single-piloted aircraft, to support the single pilots upon request, and, if necessary, to intervene and take over control of the aircraft. On the other hand, no significant changes to the tasks and responsibilities of air traffic control and the airline operations control centre (AOCC) were foreseen since the incapacitated aircraft would be handled by following standard emergency procedures. 

SAFELAND validation activities endorsed the envisioned operational procedures, the roles and distribution of responsibilities, and the dynamic of the interactions between the involved actors. The project results support future rulemaking relating to the rules of the air,  operations, aircrew, and ground crew competencies, and the functions and responsibilities of people involved (i.e., pilot in command, air traffic controllers, remote operators on the ground). The results, complemented by regulatory and legal analyses as well as safety and cyber-security assessments, are expected to significantly advance SPO research.

Benefits

• Advances SPO research
• Single-pilot incapacitation management
• Maintained levels of safety