Back to news
Safety Advocacy22 February 2018 (date under review)

SafetyStartsWith2.com – A Global Initiative to Preserve Aviation Safety

The global aviation community is advocating for the indispensable role of two pilots in the cockpit through SafetyStartsWith2.com, a platform opposing Reduced Crew Operations.

Written by First Officer Rick Brown

The global aviation community has come together to launch www.safetystartswith2.com, a platform dedicated to opposing Reduced Crew Operations (RCO) and advocating for the indispensable role of two pilots in the cockpit. This initiative is spearheaded by leading pilot organizations, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the European Cockpit Association (ECA), and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA).

Safety Starts With 2 campaign badge featuring a passenger aircraft

Purpose of www.safetystartswith2.com

The website is a central hub for information and advocacy against the RCO model, which proposes operating commercial flights with a single pilot during certain phases. The coalition behind this initiative argues that such a shift compromises safety and undermines the collaborative dynamics essential for effective flight operations.

The primary objectives of this platform are:

Challenging the RCO Initiative: The coalition confronts stakeholders, including airlines, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to reconsider the push towards single-pilot operations.

Engaging the Public: By providing comprehensive information and resources, the website aims to educate the public about the potential risks associated with RCO and mobilize support for maintaining the two-pilot standard.

Highlighting Safety Concerns: The coalition emphasizes that while technological advancements are beneficial, they should enhance the capabilities of two pilots rather than replace one. The presence of two pilots ensures redundancy, effective problem-solving, and adaptability during unforeseen situations.

Advocating for Technology that Supports Two Pilots

The coalition asserts that emerging technologies should be designed to assist and augment the performance of two pilots working in tandem. The collaborative decision-making and mutual oversight provided by a two-pilot system are critical components of aviation safety that technology alone cannot replicate.

A Call to Action

Through www.safetystartswith2.com, the coalition invites pilots, industry stakeholders, and the general public to join the movement against RCO. By uniting voices globally, the initiative seeks to preserve the safety standards that have made aviation one of the safest modes of transportation.

Conclusion

The launch of www.safetystartswith2.com marks a significant step in the global effort to maintain rigorous safety standards in aviation. By advocating for the continued presence of two pilots in the cockpit, the coalition underscores that safety should never be compromised for cost-cutting measures. This initiative reminds us that technological advancements should complement, not replace, the human elements vital to safe flight operations.