“Can you handle two emergencies at the same time?”

A new advertising campaign raises awareness about the risks of Single Pilot Flights

Imagine you're on a flight, and suddenly the captain announces they need to step away for a bathroom break. Seems harmless, right? But what if that captain is the only pilot at the controls of the plane? This is the provocative question posed by our new advertising campaign aimed at highlighting the risks of Single Pilot Flights. Our ads, strategically placed in airport restrooms, are designed to get passengers thinking—and talking—about the potential dangers of having only one pilot in the cockpit.

The Single Pilot Flights concept: dangerous and flawed

The concept of Reduced Crew Operations pushed by airlines and airplane manufacturers Airbus and Dassault suggests having only one pilot at the controls of an aircraft during cruise phase. European Pilots warn about the multiple safety and security concerns related to this concept.

Currently, regulatory and industry standards mandate the necessity of having two pilots at the controls of a large commercial plane. However, manufacturers such as Airbus and Dassault are actively pursuing the elimination of one pilot from the flight deck during the cruise phase. This proposal, also known as “extended Minimum Crew Operations” (eMCO), is being evaluated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Its approval would lead to significantly diminished flight safety, with one pilot leaving the flight deck for several hours during the cruise phase, while the other remains at the controls. Our campaign vividly illustrates a scenario where the solo pilot needs to use the bathroom during the flight. The question we pose to travellers is simple yet striking: "Can you handle two emergencies at the same time?”

ECA and thousands of pilots worldwide are advocating against this proposal.

Two pilots in the cockpit are essential for the safety of the 200-400 people on board. They serve as mutual support and back-up for each other, cross-checking and managing complex tasks, as well as emergencies. While technological developments and automation have improved flight safety and efficiency, they are not failure-proof. Replacing pilots with automation could possibly increase aviation manufacturers’ profits, but it will not make flights any cheaper or safer for passengers.

Pilots continue to fight for flight safety through national actions. There is a global movement against eMCO, supported by European Pilots, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations and the biggest Pilot union in the US – Air Line Pilots Association. This campaign is bolstered by successful national efforts, such as a petition in the Netherlands, and demonstrations at airports in France and ItalyANPAC Italy, as well as other national initiatives.

Don’t get on board with Single Pilot Flights!