The Extended Minimum Crew Operations – Single Pilot Operations (eMCO-SiPO) project is funded under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2021-2022. In that Work Programme, the European Commission has entrusted EASA with the management of six research actions with a budget of EUR 14.2 million. The eMCO-SiPO project addresses chapter 2 entitled ‘Safety standards for the introduction of key concepts and technologies’.
Continued technological developments as well as the development of autonomous unmanned aircraft, bearing the potential for safety and efficiency gains, and the consequent aviation industry needs are the reasons to explore the technical and regulatory feasibility of further reducing the number of pilots aboard commercial air transport (CAT) aircraft.
The eMCO-SiPO project focuses on two concepts of operations:
- Extended Minimum-Crew Operations (eMCOs) where single-pilot operations are allowed during the cruise phase of the flight, with a level of safety equivalent to today’s two-pilot operations. Offering at least an equivalent overall level of safety through compensation means ( e.g. ground assistance, advanced cockpit design with workload alleviation means etc.) eMCO is, in particular, relevant to large aeroplanes operated in CAT operations, for which no fewer than two flight crew members are currently required as per the Air Operations Regulation.
- Single-Pilot Operations (SiPOs), where, at a later stage, end-to-end single-pilot operations might be allowed, offering at least a level of safety equivalent to today’s two-pilot operations provided that compensation means are in place ( e.g. ground assistance, advanced cockpit design with workload alleviation means, capability to cope with pilot incapacitation etc.).
EASA is currently working with interested industry stakeholders to explore the feasibility of such operational concepts, while maintaining at least the current safety level in passenger air transport. However, the reduction of the flight crew below the current two-pilot requirement for certain types of operations requires a robust assessment of the safety impact at all levels.
Expected Outcomes and activities
The main objective of the project is to develop a reference risk-assessment framework and knowledge base for the characterisation and impact of the changes raised by the application of the eMCO and SiPO operational concepts on the safety of flight operations with a focus on the analysis of human factors issues considering both normal operations and specific issues, such as sleep inertia, fatigue risk management, or pilot incapacitation.
The activities that the project will perform range from assessing the potential safety hazards during normal operations in cruise flight to evaluating the effects of in-flight rest during extended single-pilot operations, to studying the effects of in-flight rest and different types of in-flight rest facilities on pilots’ alertness and overall fatigue level, as well as the opportunities for physiological breaks during eMCO and SiPO. The tasks also involve a variety of research methods, such as consultations with Original Equipment Manufacturers, surveys, workshops, and simulator experiments, all useful to identify potential safety hazards and develop mitigation means for failure conditions.
In addition, the project analyses the Single Pilot Operations generic concept of operations, identifying the gaps and open issues to perform a preliminary risk identification. The results of these tasks are crucial for enhancing the safety and efficiency of Extended Minimum Crew Operations and Single Pilot Operations, as well as for informing future regulations and guidelines in the aviation industry.
5 key research fields
The eMCO-SiPO study aims to support and develop the safety case and the appropriate amendments to the existing regulations and to provide an insight into five key research fields:
Safety Risk Assessment & Monitoring
This field focuses on evaluating and monitoring the safety risks associated with extended minimum crew operations and single pilot operations. Through systematic assessments and data monitoring, potential safety hazards are identified, and their impact on overall safety is analysed. The field involves collaborating with our Stakeholder Consultation Group, conducting workshops, and using flight simulator experiments to assess critical areas and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.
Human Factors and Performance
In this field the project examines the impact of Human Factors on these new aviation operations concepts. The project investigates how factors such as pilot workload, situational awareness, decision-making processes, and crew coordination can impact safety and human performance. By applying rigorous analysis methods and leveraging data from simulations and real-world simulated scenarios, the project aims to identify key human factors challenges and propose strategies to optimise human performance in extended minimum crew and single pilot operations.
Air Operations
The Air Operations field focuses on the operational aspects of extended minimum crew and single pilot operations both in nominal and non-nominal operations. It addresses topics such as flight procedures, communication protocols, and automation systems. By analysing current practices and conducting consultations with experts, the project aims to identify opportunities for operational enhancements and develop guidelines that promote safe and efficient air operations in these operational contexts.
Fatigue Risk Management
Fatigue risk management is a critical consideration in extended minimum crew and single pilot operations. This field within the eMCO-SiPO project investigates the impact of fatigue on pilot performance, safety, and well-being. It examines factors such as duty time regulations, rest periods, sleep inertia, and the effects of in-flight rest. By conducting surveys, workshops, and simulator experiments, the project aims to develop strategies and recommendations for effective fatigue risk management practices tailored to these specific operational contexts.
Flight Training
Flight training plays a crucial role in preparing pilots for extended minimum crew and single pilot operations. This field of the eMCO-SiPO project focuses on assessing and enhancing training programs to ensure they align with the specific requirements and challenges of these operational contexts. The project investigates topics such as crew resource management, automation training, emergency procedures, and decision-making skills. By evaluating training effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement, the project aims to contribute to the development of comprehensive and effective training curricula.
Research Project details
This project will be funded from the European Union's Horizon Europe
research and innovation programme.
At NLR
Project manager: Wilfred Rouwhorst, wilfred.rouwhorst [at] nlr.nl
Technical lead: Alfred Roelen, alfred.roelen [at] nlr.nl
Consortium members
Deep Blue
(Subcontractors: DLR, ADSE and Ries Simons)
At EASA
Project/Contract manager: Simone Schwerdorf, simone.schwerdorf [at] easa.europa.eu
Technical lead: Gianluca Mele, gianluca.mele [at] easa.europa.eu