Survey about Single Pilot Operation (SPO), Extended Minimum Crew Operation (EMCO) and fatigue management on daily operations

Dear Future Colleagues

We are a group of three flight students conducting a short survey as part of our thesis at LAT CH.

Our research explores the feasibility and challenges of Single Pilot Operation (SPO) and Extended Minimum Crew Operation (EMCO) in commercial aviation with a particular focus on fatigue management.

By analyzing pilot experiences with fatigue, we aim to gain a better understanding of the practical implications and potential risks of reduced cockpit crew sizes. Your insights will help us develop a deeper expertise on this topic.

The survey is designed to take no more than 10 minutes to complete. The collected data will be used solely for this research project and will not be published or shared beyond our study group.

We truly appreciate your time and support. Thank you very much for participating!

Happy landings and see you in the skies!

Secured

Survio

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SPO, EMCO & Fatigue Management

Please indicate your age range.

Select one answer

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60+

How many years have you already been working for SWISS as a pilot?

Select one answer

Up to 5

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

+25

Do you work full-time or part-time?

Select one answer

Full-time

Part-time

Which aircraft do you operate?

Select one or more answers

B777

A340

A330

A32X

A220

What is your current role in your flight crew?

Select one answer

Commander (Cpt)

First Officer

Relief Pilot

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SPO, EMCO & Fatigue Management

How important is it for you to have a colleague beside you in your daily work?

Select one answer

Very important

Quite important

Nice to have

I don’t care

How would you feel about managing specific flight phases as the sole pilot on the flight deck? (EMCO)

Select one answer

I feel confident managing specific flight phases as the sole pilot

I could imagine handling certain phases alone during less demanding phases like cruise

I would feel uneasy being the sole pilot at any stage of the flight

I'm not sure; it depends on the specific phase and the available technology support

Other (please specify)

How would you feel about managing an entire flight (off-blocks to on-blocks) as the sole pilot on board? (SPO)

Select one answer

I'm confident managing an entire flight solo with modern automation

I'm not sure; I'd need more training and information

I prefer having a second pilot

Other (please specify)

Considering the ongoing evolution in aviation technology and operational practices, in which timeframe do you anticipate that Extended Minimum Crew Operation (EMCO) might realistically be implemented in passenger airliners?

Select one answer

Within the next 5 years

Within the next 6–10 years

More than 10 years from now

I do not believe EMCO will ever be implemented

Considering the ongoing evolution in aviation technology and operational practices, in which timeframe do you anticipate that Single Pilot Operation (SPO) might realistically be implemented in passenger airliners?

Select one answer

Within the next 10 years

Within the next 10–20 years

More than 20 years from now

I do not believe SPO will ever be implemented

Could you imagine to keep working as a pilot in a Single Pilot Operation (SPO) or Extended Minimum Crew Operation (EMCO) environment?

Select one answer

Yes

Only in an EMCO environment

We welcome any insights, concerns or suggestions regarding Single-Pilot Operation (SPO) and Extended Minimum Crew Operation (EMCO). Feel free to share your thoughts.

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SPO, EMCO & Fatigue Management

In your eyes, is there a flight in SWISS’s network that you operate as a pilot which is particularly prone to fatigue issues? Please specify the flight number or route.

Why do you think this flight in SWISS’s network is particularly prone to fatigue issues?

If previously you responded positively, select one or more answers

It involves long duty hours with minimal rest opportunities

The flight schedule includes frequent night operations or early morning departures

There are multiple time zone crossings that disrupt sleep patterns

Layover rest periods are too short to allow proper recovery

Short ground time makes it difficult to take a proper break between flights

Operational delays and irregular schedules make it difficult to manage fatigue

The crew rest facilities on board or at the layover location are inadequate

The route is particularly demanding due to turbulence, workload or challenging approaches

Other (please specify)

How often do you experience fatigue on flights?

Select one answer

Almost always

Frequently (every second flight)

Occasionally (every third to fifth flight)

Rarely

Around how many fatigue reports do you effectively submit per month?

Select one answer

3 or more

In average, less than 1

Has been there the case where you have reported "unfit to fly" due to fatigue?

Select one answer

Yes, already several times

Yes, but in very rare cases

Other (please specify)

How has your fatigue level changed over the time you have been working at the company?

Select one answer

It has significantly increased

It has slightly increased

It has remained the same

It has slightly decreased

It has significantly decreased

Which factor do you believe MOST contributes to your fatigue?

Select one answer

Disruption of circadian rhythms (e.g., time zone changes)

High workload and stress at work

Stress at home

Inadequate rest periods

Cabin environment (e.g., noise, temperature)

Extended duty periods

Other (please specify)

How strongly do extended duty periods affect your cognitive performance, particularly your decision-making and reaction times?

Select one answer

They significantly impair my performance

They moderately impair my performance

They slightly affect my performance

They do not affect my performance

Which strategies do you use to manage fatigue?

Select one or more answers

Pre-flight rest/planned nap

Caffeine or energy supplements

Medication

Mindfulness/relaxation techniques

Physical exercise

Strict adherence to scheduled rest

I do not use any specific strategy

Other (please specify)

Overall, how would you rate your personal ability to manage fatigue during flights?

Select one answer

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Unsure

Other (please specify)

When you suddenly feel fatigued during a flight, which of the following best describes your immediate response?

Select one answer

I take a brief rest or adjust my focus (if possible)

I communicate the issue and rely on my Commander/First Officer for support as needed

I adhere more strictly to established procedures (SOP)

I push through without altering my routine

Other (please specify)

Have you ever experienced performance lapse that you believe was due to fatigue?

Select one answer

Almost always

Yes, frequently (every second flight)

Yes, occasionally (every third to fifth flight)

Rarely

Never

I prefer not to say

We welcome any insights, concerns or suggestions you may have regarding fatigue management and its impact on flight operations. Feel free to share your thoughts.

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