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AINsight: Long-haul Single-pilot Ops Face Turbulence
Cathay Pacific is working with Airbus to introduce a concept that reduces the number of flight crew on long-haul flights. Project Connect, as it's known internally at Airbus, would certify the Airbus A350 for single-pilot operations during the high-altitude cruise phase of flight. Cathay hopes to introduce this idea on long-haul passenger flights beginning in 2025.
The project will likely encounter some turbulence on its path to wider spread acceptance. In a post-737 Max environment, convincing regulators and passengers that automated technology is the best solution won’t be easy.
Not surprisingly, pilot groups are uneasy with Project Connect. With only one pilot at the controls, they suggest an aircraft may be vulnerable to pilot incapacitation or the pilot going rogue. There are also fears that autonomous aircraft are more vulnerable to hacking by cyber-criminals and that one less pilot in the cockpit could increase the risk of an intrusion by hijackers or terrorists.
By regulation, transport-category aircraft rely on redundant systems to ensure the highest level of safety. By design, these aircraft have multiple engines, electric generator sources, hydraulic systems, and other backup systems—this philosophy makes air travel the safest form of transportation. Project Connect calls for removing the single most critical component of this system—the pilot.
Read Kipp Lau's Entire Blog Post (6 minute read time)
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