Imagine a commercial airplane that can be safely flown by just one pilot instead of two. This project creates the digital rulebook and communication systems needed so air traffic controllers can manage these planes without needing new, expensive equipment. It's like updating the traffic laws and signals to allow a new type of vehicle on the road without rebuilding the whole highway.
Commercial aviation currently requires two pilots for safety, which increases operational costs and limits flexibility. Transitioning to a single pilot requires a complete overhaul of how pilots communicate with air traffic control to ensure safety during emergencies.
A TRL 4 operational concept including a consolidated SP-INTEROP/OSED and a TS/IRS, along with a list of impacted regulations.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with the need to reduce cockpit crew requirements — this project developed a TRL 4 ATM concept that defines how single-pilot planes interact with air traffic control. This allows for the design of next-generation airliners that are more cost-efficient to operate.
If you are a commercial airline dealing with high crew costs and pilot shortages — this project developed the operational requirements for single pilot operations. This paves the way for commercial flights with reduced crew within the next decade.
If you are an ATC provider dealing with the risk of introducing new flight types into crowded airspace — this project developed a concept that minimizes the impact on existing ATC tools and procedures. This ensures safety during pilot incapacitation or bad weather without requiring a total system overhaul.
Based on available project data, no specific pricing or implementation costs are provided; the project focuses on the operational concept and standards.
No, the project produces a TRL 4 concept, which is a validation in a laboratory or simulated environment, not a full-scale industrial deployment.
Based on available project data, the consortium is led by Airbus with 10 partners, but specific IP and licensing agreements are not detailed in the summary.
The project identifies standards and regulations that would be impacted and provides a basis for bodies such as ICAO, EASA, FAA, and CAAC.
Commercial operations of next generation airliners proposing Single Pilot Operations are anticipated within the next decade.
The project is heavily industry-driven, with a 60% industry ratio consisting of 6 industrial partners, including major players like Airbus and ATR. The presence of 5 countries and key national air navigation service providers (DFS, DSNA, NATS, ENAIRE) indicates a strong focus on cross-border regulatory alignment and practical operational validation rather than academic research.
Contact Airbus (France) regarding the SOLO project operational concept
Contact us to find the TRL 4 specifications for Single Pilot Operations.
