Could airliners be flown by a single pilot? Claims research is under way into the possibility that co-pilots will based on the ground

Having two pilots on board flights could become a safety precaution of the past, according to controversial research.

In future, commercial flights could have only one pilot aboard, with the co-pilot stationed back on the ground as a way of dealing with flight crew shortages.

A number of big European manufacturers are reportedly interested but critics fear that the technology could put passengers at risk.

A thing of the past?: Commercial flights currently have two pilots on board in case of an emergency

Co-pilots are currently needed for emergencies, but new technology would allow a co-pilot to operate from the ground and maneouvre the plane as if it were an unmanned drone, taking remote control of the flight if needed.

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Aviaton blog Operationally Speaking reported that the idea, which was once confined to cargo flights only, is now being considered for passenger flights. 

Outrage: Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, was derided when he said he wanted single pilot flights in 2010

The blog explained: 'Technology could easily make single-pilot airliners possible, but the industry needs a non-controversial way of slipping the idea into the system.'

Modern planes can be flown from take-off to landing by a single pilot but two pilots are on deck in case of any problems.

For very long flights there are three pilots on board to allow them to have a break.

Aviation and safety expert Captain Chesley Sullenberger told CBS News: 'It's hard to believe that people can keep a straight face and propose this.

'There's no substitute for having a well trained crew of at least two pilots.'

The idea was floated in Britain by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary in 2010 but was met with derision.

He called for second pilots to be ditched from the flight deck in order to save money on his low-cost airline.

When asked what would happen in an emergency Mr O'Leary suggested cabin crew could be trained to take over and land the plane in the event of a crisis.

'If the pilot has an emergency, he rings the bell, he calls her in. She could take over,' he told Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Co-pilots are currently employed on flights to monitor the other pilot, to intervene if there is a problem and to share the work if there is too much for one person to do.