EASA recommends two crew in cockpit entire flight to avoid pilot lockouts, intentional crashes

COLOGNE, Germany, 31 March 2015. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officials have published a temporary recommendation for airlines to ensure that at least two crew, including at least one qualified pilot, are in the flight crew compartment at all times of the flight.

Airlines should re-assess the safety and security risks associated with a flight crew leaving the cockpit due to operational or physiological needs, according to EASA.

The agency makes the recommendation based on the information currently available following the dramatic accident of the Germanwings Flight 4U9525, and pending the outcome of the technical investigation conducted by the French Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA). This recommendation may be reviewed in the light of any new information concerning the accident.

"While we are still mourning the victims, all our efforts focus on improving the safety and security of passengers and crews,” says EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky.

Recommendations are not mandatory.