Manufacturers and some airlines are actively pursuing pilot reduction—but they’re generally not admitting to “full replacement” yet.
The Current State:
Airbus is actively developing what they call “extended Minimum Crew Operations” (eMCO), which would enable flight crews to better organize their presence in the cockpit during cruise phase with additional automated functions. This is essentially a steppingstone to single-pilot operations.
Single Pilot Operations (SPO) are actively being pursued. European manufacturers Dassault and Airbus are pursuing designs that introduce technologies they say would allow a single pilot to actively fly a commercial plane.
The FAA is participating. The FAA is working closely with firms like Merlin Labs and Reliable Robotics building systems to enable reduced crew operations, single-pilot operations, and potentially crewless flight. The FAA has already accepted certification plans for some of these systems.
At least one major US airline reportedly told Flying magazine it sees a “clear path” to single-pilot operations or fully autonomous airline operations. Who? Pick one.
Minimal Pushback
ALPA’s president warned us that aircraft manufacturers are pursuing technologies to eliminate the two-pilot requirement, calling it something manufacturers are actively working to implement as soon as possible. And they say that pilot contracts make it clear that single pilot operations would not be adopted—However, this represents union pressure rather than technical assessment. What they don’t tell you is that those crews with three and four pilots will go to two. ALPA is presently making no effort to stop this action.
The Strategy For Pilot Removal
The industry appears to be taking an incremental approach: cargo flights first, then single-pilot operations, then potentially full autonomy—gradually acclimating regulators and the public. The work toward pilot reduction is real and ongoing, even if “full replacement” isn’t being publicly announced as the immediate goal—it is.
What I can confirm from my research is that:
- The FAA is working with companies like Merlin Labs and Reliable Robotics on autonomy systems.
- European manufacturers (Airbus, Dassault) are actively pursuing single-pilot technologies.
- The discussion is happening more through regulatory bodies and manufacturers than through public airline statements.
- The only effort ALPA has made is stating the contract demands 2 pilots.
The Best Defense Against Automation Takeover
Essentially that the best defense against automation is demonstrating irreplaceable value through superior training.
The Core Argument
The evidence shows that pilot training and skill levels have significantly deteriorated, with some pilots experiencing “automation paralysis” under pressure. This creates a dangerous cycle: weak pilots justify more automation, which manufacturers use to argue pilots are replaceable.
Specific Training Improvements Needed
Manual Flight Skills: The FAA and ICAO recognize the need to balance automation training with maintaining manual flight control skills. Pilots need regular practice flying manually, especially in upset recovery and loss-of-control situations.
Automation Understanding: Research shows 61% of pilots reported multiple issues with automation in their first 6 months on a new aircraft type, with only 25% feeling adequately prepared. Better training on how automation actually works—not just button-pushing—is critical.
Competency-Based Training: The industry is moving toward nine core competencies including problem-solving, decision-making, situation awareness, and leadership—skills AI cannot replicate. But if we don’t demand them of ourselves, AI will take over.
THE STRATEGIC CHALLENGE
Pilots are inadvertently making the case for their own obsolescence.
Aircraft manufacturers and airlines are building the case for automation by pointing to pilot errors, automation dependency, and inconsistent performance under pressure. Recent incidents have shown pilots struggling with manual flight, displaying “automation paralysis,” and failing to execute basic airmanship when automated systems fail. Every such incident strengthens the argument that humans are the weak link that needs replacing.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The solution is to make pilots demonstrably better than any AI system could be—not just technically proficient, but showcasing the cognitive flexibility, judgment, creativity, and crisis management that no algorithm can replicate. This requires ALPA to champion a comprehensive overhaul of pilot training standards that goes far beyond current minimums.
I’m working on my next novel in the Flight For series about automation, and thus conducting research. I’m surprised at what I’ve found. But not as surprised as you might be. My entire “Flight For” novel series holds the underlying premise of automation takeover. But the deception behind the current status with the FAA and ALPA in support the replacement of pilots is scary. I always wondered why ALPA won’t promote improved training of our pilots, and why the FAA looks the other way. Now I know. Soon, you will too. What will you do?
Pilots are you Ready to Become Obsolete?
What will you do to save your career?
