eMCO-SiPO Extended Minimum Crew Operations – Single Pilot Operations — Safety Risk Assessment Framework

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 entrusted the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with the management of six research actions with a budget of EUR 14.2 million. The eMCO-SiPO project addresses Chapter 2 of the Work Programme, entitled ‘Safety standards for the introduction of key concepts and technologies’.

Continued technological developments and the development of autonomous unmanned aircraft, bearing the potential for safety and efficiency gains, as well as the consequent aviation industry needs, were established as 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 therefore focused on two concepts of operations: 

1. Extended Minimum-Crew Operations (eMCOs) where single-pilot operations are allowed during the cruise phase of the flight, nonetheless achieving a level of safety equivalent to today’s two-pilot operations. This should offer 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 (Regulation (EU) No 965/2012). 
    
2. 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 was to develop a reference risk assessment framework and knowledge base for the characterisation and impact of the changes caused by the application of the eMCO and SiPO operational concepts on the safety of flight operations, with a focus on the analysis of human factor 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, and 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 (OEMs), 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 SiPO generic concept of operations, identifying the gaps and open issues in order to perform a preliminary risk identification. The results of these tasks are crucial for enhancing the safety and efficiency of eMCOs and SiPOs, 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 eMCOs and SiPOs. 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 factor challenges and propose strategies to optimise human performance in eMCOs and SiPOs.

Air Operations

The Air Operations field focuses on the operational aspects of eMCOs and SiPOs 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 to develop guidelines that promote safe and efficient air operations in these operational contexts.

Fatigue Risk Management

Fatigue risk management is a critical consideration in eMCOs and SiPOs. 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 eMCOs and SiPOs. This field of the eMCO-SiPO project focuses on assessing and enhancing training programmes to ensure they are aligned 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 by identifying areas for improvement, the project aims to contribute to the development of comprehensive and effective training curricula.

Conclusions

With the current cockpit design taken as a reference, and within the limits of the research, it was identified that an equivalent level of safety between eMCO and the current two-crew operations cannot be sufficiently demonstrated.

Main areas for considerations are the following:

• pilot incapacitation monitoring,
• fatigue and drowsiness,
• sleep inertia,
• cross-checks, and
• physiological needs.

Development of cockpit technology and further research will be needed before exploring the feasibility of such operational concepts.

This is aligned with expectations. EASA has already made clear that changes to the cockpit will be needed to support any such new concept of operations. Its rulemaking programme will reflect this outcome, concentrating on the development, evaluation, and deployment of such advanced flight deck technologies applied in the current two-pilot operations. This is reflected in the latest edition of the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS) 2025.

In the longer-term, the presence of a ‘Smart Cockpit’ with novel workload alleviation functions, with flight crew performance, alertness, and incapacitation monitoring, and with a solution to prevent security threats may have the potential to set the basis for new operational concepts. However, any consideration of this will depend on the new technologies proving their safety benefit, which will require detailed assessment on the basis of data and experience gained in normal two-pilot operations.