Why planes must have two pilots and warning systems


- The helicopter Kobe Bryant flew (Sikorsky-S76B) is operationally a hi-tech machine with a sophisticated flight-deck for two pilots. However, on this unfortunate day, it was operated by only one pilot. According to NTSB guidelines, any helicopter that carries more than five passengers must be a dual pilot operation, but in this case, nine innocent passengers died in the crash. A guideline for dual pilot operations was imposed post the investigations of a similar crash in the Gulf of Mexico in 2004. The simple reason to have a dual pilot operation is simply a check and balance mechanism to minimise the probability of human error in decision-making in flight.
- The second reason was that the helicopter that hit the ground did not have a Terrain Avoidance and Warning System (TAWS) installed.
