Embraer reveals vision for single-pilot airliners

[AirtrafficController]

Embraer is preparing for the possible introduction of airliners designed for single-pilot operation by as early as 2020, following the roll-out of next-generation air traffic management systems in Europe and the USA.
Vice-president for airline market intelligence Luiz Sergio Chiessi says the Brazilian manufacturer is looking to provide "single-pilot capability, at least" in the 2020-25 timeframe.
He cautions, however, that much work needs to be done to persuade the travelling public, regulatory authorities and unions that the concept is feasible.
"It's very difficult to predict that this is going to happen, but I believe that we will have to provide capability for eventual implementation into the real world," says Chiessi.
Embraer is the first airliner manufacturer to publicly acknowledge it is in the early stages of studying single-pilot airliners.

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[lijk604]

I could see the concept being adapted for ferry flights, but not for passenger revenue flights.
Think about it, every airplane in commercial service today has redundant backup systems. If one engine fails, it has the ability to takeoff with the other and still clear obstacles. Hydraulics, electricals, etc all have backup systems.

Pilots are the human element, if one gets sick or is incapacitated inflight, there is the second on board to get the aircraft back on the ground safely. He/she will be doing a lot of work, but, he/she will suceed. Now, take away the second pilot, you have lost your backup system.

Besides, a single pilot carrying passengers (even on a ferry flight) would not have the ability to get up and use the facility, if the need arises. Who would be in control???

[Idlewild]

My guess is, Embraer will be working with other aircraft companies as well as the people who make on-boards, to come up with a way that computers and/or people on the ground, could take over if the one pilot fell ill. I remember Pres. Bush pushing the idea after 9/11, one of the few things I agreed with him on. It wasn't that long ago when people thought getting rid of the flight engineer and allowing ETOPs was considered insane and unsafe. Within 50 years I see pilotless airliners. Hell, I'll even gamble on saying there might be single engine wide-bodies.