Evaluation of Operating Procedures for Single Pilot Incapacitation: outcomes and insights from a Real Time Simulation

A key enabler for the implementation of Single Pilot Operations (SPO) in commercial aviation will be to overcome the risks associated with single-pilot incapacitation. The SESAR JU project SAFELAND addressed this major challenge by proposing a concept of operations aiming at supporting flight and landing of a single-piloted CS-25 aircraft in case the on-board single pilot becomes incapacitated. In this paper, we describe the operational procedures and present the results of the Real Time Simulation (RTS) focused on the ground actors (mainly Air Traffic Controllers and Ground Station Operators). The RTS aimed to assess the impact of the SAFELAND concept on feasibility, acceptability, Human Performance and Safety. Overall, the RTS campaign returned positive evaluations. Participants positively evaluated the operating procedures, especially the dynamic of the interactions between team members, and to the coordination and communication flow. From the technical point of view, requirements for both the Ground Station and the Controller Working Position were identified, together with new additional supporting systems that should be implemented to enable SPO and enhance safety of the operations.