So after some recent comments I read in a SWA vs FedEx post, I have to ask a question to any FedEx/UPS pilots. Has anyone considered getting a clause in your next contracts regarding number of pilots required? I feel that even the possibility of a 1-person crew would be such a huge downfall for the career that it would be an imperative thing to be sure to get in writing, and to make sure there are no possible loopholes for scope and such. Any thoughts on this subject?

Short answer.

FedEx: Nope.

I don't think any of us have reason to believe there will be 1 person crews permitted by the FAA (under 8hrs, 8-12, 12-16, 16+) within the duration of our next contract (ie, 4 years).

Now, ask a pilot 20 years from now how he feels about the same issue, you may get a very different response. They'll all more than likely be simply pulling a lever at that point.

To elaborate more, FedEx is very unlikely to go to "single pilots" unless the entire industry goes that way. Certificating an aircraft for that would be a big ticket item and very unlikely to recoup that investment. Add to that the fact that it would have to be approved by each country you went into, just imagine the nightmare. FedEx sticks to aircraft that can easily get approval to fly into anywhere the company wants to take them. Just because it can be done does not mean it will.

I try not to be the guy that thinks things will never change. If you look at technological changes that have taken place in the past 20-30 years, it is quite possible than the landscape will look much different in the future.

That said, I don't see the FAA approving a one person crew anytime soon. I do think flying aircraft remotely isn't something that could possibly occur, I just don't see it happening in the next 20-30 years. Just my take...

A one-person crew. Impossible. After all, who would the captain blame for his or her mistakes. And someone needs to serve coffee and meals. And say stuff like "that was a mighty nice landing Sir". Not gonna happen.

JJ

Can you imagine all the Memphis overflights that would happen every night? Those NW Guys who overflew minnie would be quickly forgotten.

You would have to hire twice the GOC controllers just to keep the pilots awake.

You need to put the two concepts together to see what is likely to happen.

There won't be unmanned transport aircraft, but it won't be due to a lack of technology; it'll be due to a lack of public acceptance of flying in unmanned aircraft and having them fly over. Nor will you see single pilots in today's aircraft. But what I predict you WILL see, is a remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft, with a single "pilot" aboard as eyewash to placate public concern.

Probably won't happen before I retire, but many on this board will see it, and it will start with cargo aircraft.

From their laptop, at home!

Would these new technology, single pilot aircraft be purchased and launched by those same cargo airlines that are the last to park 3 person aircraft ?

Heck some of them are still in operation ... I saw a couple the last time I went through MEM.

I don't see very many US cargo operators as the launch customers of new airframes.

Could very well be... Fedex had orders for both the MD-11 and A-380 before either one flew, and while may not have been the "launch customer," they certainly are or would have been the cargo launch customer. I don't think that in either case, the FedEx order was contingent upon earlier passenger orders. Fred's not against buying new airplanes when it suits his purposes.