Single-Pilot Incapacitation in commercial aviation - Evaluation of an Operational Concept

Abstract

To implement Single Pilot Operations (SPO) in commercial aviation, safety levels must be maintained compared to current operations. In this paper we present a concept of operations aiming at supporting flight and landing of a single-piloted aircraft in case the onboard single pilot becomes incapacitated. The concept relies on Ground Station positions being manned by ground station operators who monitor the aircraft, support the single pilot as needed, and take over control in case of incapacitation. The concept was evaluated through a number of evaluation activities, including two simulation campaigns. The results suggest that the concept could be a robust proposal to address single pilot incapacitation, and no major showstoppers have been identified from an operational, legal, and regulatory point of view. In this paper, the key technological, infrastructural, and procedural enablers that shall contribute to maintain SPO safety levels as in current dual-pilot operations are also discussed.