Pilot Acceptance of Reduced Crew Operations in Commercial Aviation: An Empirical Analysis of Human Factors, Trust, and Perceived Safety

Abstract

The ongoing advancement of cockpit automation and the increasing shortage of qualified pilots have intensified discussions on Reduced Crew Operations (RCO) in commercial aviation. RCO comprises two main concepts: Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), which temporarily reduce cockpit crew during cruise, and Single Pilot Operations (SiPO), which envisage a single pilot on board throughout the entire flight. While technological progress suggests growing feasibility, pilot acceptance remains a critical human factors challenge.This paper investigates pilot acceptance of RCO from a human factors perspective, with a particular focus on trust in automation, perceived safety, and job-related concerns. An empirical mixed-methods study was conducted using an online survey among active, former, and prospective commercial pilots. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, while qualitative responses were examined through structured content analysis. The results indicate an overall low level of acceptance toward RCO, with particularly strong rejection of SiPO. Safety concerns, increased workload, and the perceived irreplaceability of a second pilot were identified as dominant barriers. Acceptance of eMCO was moderately higher but strongly conditional on reliable automation, transparent system behavior, and robust organizational safeguards. Statistical analyses reveal a significant positive relationship between trust in automation and acceptance of RCO, as well as a significant negative relationship between age and acceptance. Other factors, including flight experience, professional position, aviation sector, and perceived job insecurity, showed no significant effects. The findings highlight pilot acceptance as a decisive prerequisite for the implementation of RCO concepts and emphasize the importance of human-centered automation design, trust calibration, and transparent safety strategies in future cockpit systems.