American Airlines ... Only 1 pilot?

I read somewhere that American Airlines only has 1 pilot flying their jets.

I think this is a little unsettling. I think most airlines require 2 pilots in the event that one of the pilots becomes incapacitated.

If this is true, then there's a lot of dangerous airplanes flying above our heads. If the single pilot becomes incapacitated, what happens?

Doe the plane just crash? Do they expect the passengers to land the plane? Scary stuff.

 

Lots of planes have auto pilot. some are even certified with autoland .. granted, it's probably still going to need some help from the flight crew to make sure it doesn't run off the end of the runway.

But, it's coming. give it 10 more years and it will be way more widespread. There are already like 200k planes in the US and many of those are single pilots would be my guess. Meh, odds of dying in a plane crash or having one drop on you is pretty small. You are more likely to die on your daily commute to work.

 

FAA regulations require 2 pilots for passenger planes.

 

I heard something on I believe it was PBS about AI in transportation including commercial passenger jets in the near future where the AI will be the pilot and the human the copilot. The tech is there over coming the regulations is the next hurdle AI Flew a Fighter Jet for 17 Hours Dangerous times ahead for the Humans as a Species.

 

Just wait till they release them flying cars to the average jo blo ,, I bet you'll be seeing some crashes then .

 

i think that flying cars might actually be less dangerous than road cars as most of those are going to have a shit ton of tech and little human flight input controls. Just a guess. But beta and other early versions are going to be fatal to some early adopters ... kinda like when trains, autos, planes were first invented. But by the time a burger flipper can afford one, they'll be pretty safe.

 

Skynet is on its way, only arnold can save us!!!

 

I actually was in a 777 that landed on autopilot in a snowstorm. Smooth as silk. They pilots were there too, of course... AI for fighters are a definite, just think, all that crap to keep a human alive can be tossed out, no fatigue, a lot more G's... Fighter jocks will be obsolete sooner than we think - like real soon.

 

Airlines Are Pushing to Legalize One-Pilot Cockpits | The Drive

A couple of weeks ago, the captain of American Eagle flight 3556 became ill shortly after takeoff from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and was unable to pilot the plane. The co-pilot was able to quickly take over, contact air traffic control, turn the plane around, and land safely back at O'Hare. That co-pilot saved 57 lives. The captain died later that night.

 

Strange. I seem to remember reading an article last night specifically about American Airlines giving the green light to allow 1 pilot in the cockpit, but now I can't find the article.

 

So that means that American Airlines is required to have 2 pilots in the cockpit?

 

I'm actually about to start a job for a pilot ,, I'll ask him about this ,, I don't think he's with AA tho.

 

OK - That would be great. Much appreciated!

 

I have 2 American Airline flights next week and 2 United. I'm going to make it a point to peak in the cockpit and see if there's 2 pilots.

 

…..yes the the Reg applies to them as well.

 

Just what I want one affirmative action pilot, relying on an autopilot run by electronic crap that always has glitches. Just like I want a self driving car Yea right ----No thanks

 

A few months back ,, it was reported that at least 1 airline,, can't remember which one,, but they said 50 % of all new hire pilots were going to be people of color .
Yea , that would be smart ,, not hired on abilities,, just color ,,,

 

While “The Drive” is a debatable source, it is in reference to a Bloomberg article, which has at least some chance of being correct.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-20/lone-pilots-flying-passenger-planes-solo-is-prospect-for-near-future

 

This is my response from American Airlines. It doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling:


September 28, 2023


Hello Mr. xxx:


Thank you for contacting Customer Relations. We understand your concern for our pilots and appreciate you taking the time to inquire about the number of pilots on duty in our aircraft. While I can understand your desire for specific feedback regarding our pilots, for privacy, we simply cannot share internal information.

Our rules regarding the length of time a pilot is on duty and the number of pilots on our aircraft is in strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and, in many cases, are even more conservative. American Airlines has led the industry in crew fatigue countermeasure programs, and we continue to focus on ways to ensure that our crews are well-rested while on duty. This includes, but is not limited to having pilots on standby to facilitate.

Under current regulations, pilots are aware of their responsibility to ensure they are rested and capable to fly. We believe we employ some of the best pilots in the industry and we would never do anything to jeopardize their safety or the safety of anyone onboard an American Airlines' flight. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to elaborate on such an important issue.

On behalf of everyone at American Airlines, Mr. xxxx, please know that we appreciate you very much and it would be our pleasure to welcome you on board again in the future.

Sincerely,
xxx

Customer Relations
American Airlines