Whether a pilot can be alone in the cockpit is an important aviation safety question. There are regulations and procedures in place to ensure there are always at least two qualified pilots in the cockpit of a commercial plane at all times. However, there are some circumstances where a pilot may be left alone temporarily. Let’s explore the regulations, procedures, and scenarios around pilots being alone in the cockpit.
FAA Regulations on Two Person Cockpit
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has regulations requiring at least two pilots to be in the cockpit for the entirety of a commercial flight. This is known as the “two person cockpit rule.” It was introduced in response to accidents like the 1999 crash of EgyptAir Flight 990, where a pilot was left alone in the cockpit and intentionally crashed the plane.
The specific FAA regulation is 14 CFR 121.543 which states “No flight crewmember may leave a duty station unless relieved by another qualified flight crewmember.” Duty stations include the pilot seats, so both pilot seats must be occupied at all times once the boarding door has been closed. Any time one pilot needs to leave the cockpit, another crew member must come in to replace them.
Exceptions to Two Person Cockpit Rule
There are limited exceptions to the two person cockpit rule. One is if the other pilot becomes incapacitated. In that emergency scenario, a pilot may need to divert the plane alone to the nearest suitable airport. The FAA determined this exception is necessary for safety in case incapacitation leaves one pilot alone.
Another exception is during cruise flight. One pilot is permitted to leave the cockpit to use the restroom, but only if another flight crew member replaces them. This maintains the two person occupancy while allowing for short breaks.
International Cockpit Occupancy Rules
Most countries follow cockpit occupancy rules similar to the FAA’s regulations. International civil aviation organization ICAO recommends a two person occupancy minimum. However, regulations can vary slightly by country.
Europe
In Europe, EU-OPS 1.940 requires at least two pilots to be at the controls during critical phases of flight (taxi, takeoff, landing). At cruise, one pilot can be replaced to take a break. Relief pilots must be flight crew members like flight engineers, not cabin crew.
Canada
In Canada, CAR 602.104 states there must always be two pilots at the controls of an aircraft with more than 19 passengers. If there are 19 or fewer passengers, one pilot may leave the cockpit if replaced by a flight attendant.
Australia
Australia’s cockpit occupancy rules are similar to the FAA’s. Two pilots must be at the controls from door closing to door opening. Temporary relief is allowed at cruise by another flight crew member.
Cockpit Access Security Procedures
In addition to occupancy rules, airlines have strict procedures controlling access to the cockpit. The cockpit door must remain locked during flight, and only authorized crew members allowed in. Security codes are required for entry.
This ensures only trained pilots and flight crew can access the cockpit, both for safety and security. It prevents any passengers from entering even if they get past the cabin crew. Proper procedures prevent situations where a pilot could be left fully alone.
Scenarios a Pilot May Be Alone
While regulations require two pilots at the controls, there are some rare scenarios where a pilot may end up alone:
Incapacitation of Other Pilot
If the co-pilot becomes suddenly incapacitated from a medical event or similar emergency, the other pilot may need to take sole control of the plane. They will initiate emergency procedures and divert to the closest airport.
Bathroom Break in Small Plane
In smaller planes with only one pilot, they may quickly leave to use the bathroom while passengers are on board. This is legal as long as they lock the cockpit door.
Crew Scheduling Gap
If there is a mistake in pilot scheduling, one pilot may end up starting the pre-flight procedures alone until the relief pilot arrives. This should not happen, but is possible.
Pilot Suicide
In the darkest scenario, a pilot may intentionally lock out the other pilot to commit suicide. This has occurred rarely in aviation incidents like the suspected actions of Germanwings Flight 9525’s co-pilot.
Safety Consequences of a Solo Pilot
There are good reasons why regulators require at least two pilots to be in the cockpit. Flying an aircraft involves many concurrent tasks that are difficult for one person to handle alone. And if that pilot becomes incapacitated, there is no backup.
Workload Management
Managing the various concurrent tasks of flying requires focused workload management. While automation helps, pilots still need to actively monitor instruments, communicate with air traffic control, program flight computers, scan for other aircraft, and more. Splitting tasks reduces individual workload.
Incapacitation Response
A huge safety benefit of having two pilots is if one becomes unexpectedly incapacitated. This could be because of sudden illness, heart attack, stroke, or other impairments. The other pilot can take emergency command of the plane if needed.
Mental Fatigue Mitigation
Long flights can induce mental fatigue even in well trained pilots. Having a second pilot helps keep mental sharpness up and catch any errors. Humans have limited cognitive endurance.
Flight Deck Resource Management
CRM training emphasizes using all available resources on the flight deck, including other pilots. Two pilots can work together to avoid and catch mistakes. Four eyes are better than two.
Emergency Response
Rare but serious emergencies like fires, failures, or security events are too much for one pilot alone. Two pilots can divide emergency response duties while maintaining aircraft control.
Psychological Well-Being
Flying alone places greater psychological stress on a solo pilot. Having support from a co-pilot enhances safety through better mental well-being over long flights.
Conclusion
Regulatory agencies around the world require at least two pilots in the cockpit for airline flights to maintain the highest levels of safety. While temporary exceptions are allowed, ideally two pilots share the workload, cross-check each other, and coordinate in an emergency. However, rare events can leave a single pilot alone, which is riskier both for technical and mental health reasons. Strict cockpit access procedures aim to prevent these solo pilot scenarios.