Do you remember Michael O'Leary's ironic remark about the envisioned one-pilot flight crew? Ryanair's chief executive last year claimed direct operating costs could be significantly reduced by eliminating the first officer on commercial flights In other words, he was suggesting a lone pilot would be enough to safely operate next-generation aircraft. And, in case of the pilot's incapacitation, he added, a flight attendant (perhaps holding a private pilot license) could rush to the cockpit, handle the emergency and then execute a landing at the nearest airport.
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