FAA proposes relaxing pilot oxygen mask requirements at high altitudes
The FAA has proposed allowing pressurized aircraft pilots to fly higher without continuously wearing an oxygen mask, raising thresholds for Part 91 and Part 135 operations. The agency says the change would cut regulatory and economic burdens.
The FAA on Thursday proposed relaxing oxygen-mask rules for pilots of pressurized aircraft under Parts 91 and 135. Aircraft with quick-donning masks could fly at any certificated altitude without a pilot at the controls wearing a mask continuously.
Part 91 currently requires one pilot to wear a mask above FL350, though two-pilot crews with quick-donning masks are exempt up to FL410. The proposal drops the continuous-wear condition for those aircraft.
For Part 135, the FAA would raise the mask threshold from FL350 to FL410 for multi-pilot crews, and from FL250 to FL350 for single-pilot operations.
The agency said the amendments stem from a requirement in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. In its notice, the FAA said the change would reduce regulatory and economic burdens by altering rules on pilot oxygen-mask use.
Oxygen servicing costs $100 to $400 per fill, according to the FAA. The agency calculated that operators could save $4.7 million to $18.6 million a year for every 1% of Part 91 and Part 135 turbojet and multiengine turboprop flights that avoid an oxygen servicing event. Comments are due Nov. 23.
Sources
- avweb.comFAA Proposes Relaxed Pilot Oxygen Mask Rules