Under current EU regulations, at least two pilots must be present within the cockpit of commercial flights. But new advances in technologies open up the possibility to certify single pilot operations (SPO), either for certain portions of the journey, such as when cruising, or for the whole flight once the technology is mature. The introduction of greater levels of automation in the cockpit would therefore allow the pilot to focus on more strategic and safety-critical tasks. The project aims to develop a concept for single pilot operations, ensuring minimal changes to current ATC tools and procedures. The aim is to feed standardisation and regulatory developments on SPO.

The project aims to make an initial assessment of the operational and technical feasibility of the single pilot operations for commercial aircraft, and its impact on air traffic management. Note that the cockpit specific aspects, including the needed future functions and related automation, are not specifically covered by the project, except when they might have an impact on ATM operational actors. 

Based on existing material from past studies, the project partners will work with experts in safety and human performance as well as air traffic controllers, pilots to  explore specific use cases (e.g. pilot incapacitation), and develop requirements (e.g. safety, human performance, technical) for the concept. 

European Union
Project ID: SOLO
Grant ID: 101114589
Status: Completed
Project duration: 01-07-2023 > 30-06-2026
EU contr.: €4.886.912,63
Total cost: €8.405.752,50
Activity: Industrial research
Flagship: Air-ground integration and autonomy
SESAR programme: Digital European Sky
Benefits: Cost efficiency, Enhanced safety, Improved predictability
Related solutions
SOLO- Single pilot Line Operations