What is the minimum pilot crew operating an aircraft with an approved and authorized autopilot under Part 135 in a Category I operation?

What is the minimum pilot crew operating an aircraft with an approved and authorized autopilot under Part 135 in a Category I operation?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (A)

In a Category I operation under Part 135 regulations, the minimum pilot crew required to operate an aircraft equipped with an approved and authorized autopilot is one pilot. This is because the nature of Category I operations, which typically includes flying with a decision height of at least 200 feet above the runway level and a minimum visibility of 1/2 mile, allows a single pilot to effectively manage the aircraft's operation when an autopilot system is present.

The autopilot provides significant assistance to the pilot during critical phases of flight, such as approach and landing, thereby complying with safety requirements while allowing a single pilot to maintain operational control of the aircraft. This regulation acknowledges that with the advanced technology of autopilot systems, one qualified pilot can safely operate the aircraft under these conditions, optimizing resource utilization and reducing crew fatigue during operations.

Therefore, the presence of an approved autopilot system in the cockpit designates a single pilot as sufficient to handle the operation in conjunction with the automated systems, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations in a Category I context.