European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - Factsheet on EU security measures in civil airliners

European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - Factsheet on EU security measures in civil airliners

What are the current rules on the minimum crew members required in the cockpit?           

On 27 March 2015, EASA (the European Air Safety Agency) has issued a recommendation for airlines to observe the “four-eye-rule” in the cockpit; stipulating that in the case of the Captain or First Officer leaving the cockpit, a member of the crew should be present in the cockpit with the remaining pilot.

European safety regulations require that pilots shall remain at the aircraft controls unless absence is necessary for physiological or operational safety needs.

There is no European requirement that a member of the cabin crew must enter the cockpit in the event a pilot needs to take a short break for such needs. There is however a requirement that the cockpit door can be opened from the outside in case of emergency.

For more information:

EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No. 2015-04 issued 27 March 2015 on authorised persons in the flight crew compartment

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 965/2012 of 5 October 2012 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations  pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and  of the Council

(...)