EXCLUSIVE Cathay working with Airbus on single-pilot system for long-haul
Cathay Pacific (0293.HK) is working with Airbus (AIR.PA) to introduce "reduced crew" long-haul flights with a sole pilot in the cockpit much of the time, industry sources told Reuters.
www.reuters.com
So I suppose the idea is that one pilot is in the cockpit while the other is taking a rest break unless called to action. They say that it will include a health monitoring system to alert the other pilot if there’s a problem.
I was under the impression that there are generally two members of the crew (may include a flight attendant) in the cockpit at all times - for when one takes a potty break with a two pilot crew. I guess a non-pilot can do things like open the locked cockpit door or alert the other pilot in case of emergency.
I’ve been on long flights where a complete second set of pilots walked in wearing their uniforms. I thought that was the norm, but found there are three pilot crews allowed for certain flight times. The idea of two pilots for a long flight like HKG-SFO seems a bit scary.