Pilot in Command of Aircraft Requiring More Than One Required Pilot

Section 91.5 governs PIC authority on aircraft that the type certificate or operating limitations require more than one pilot to operate. This is a small but consequential rule because it scopes who may legally act as PIC in multi-required-crew aircraft — most jets, transport-category turboprops, certain warbirds, and some experimental aircraft with type-certificate restrictions.

The qualification gate: The PIC of an aircraft requiring more than one pilot must hold a current and appropriate category, class, and type rating (when a type rating is required) for that aircraft. "Required" is the operative word — the determination of whether more than one pilot is required comes from the aircraft's type certificate, its airworthiness certificate, the AFM, or the regulations under which it is operated.

Why this exists separately from § 61.31: Section 61.31 sets pilot certification requirements (type ratings, endorsements, etc.). Section 91.5 sets the operational rule that ties those certificate requirements to multi-pilot aircraft on every flight. The two work together — § 61.31 makes you eligible to hold the type rating; § 91.5 obligates you to actually use it.

Practical scope: If you fly a Citation, Phenom, King Air 350 (above MTOW threshold), DC-3, Beech 18, or any other aircraft whose certification requires two pilots, you cannot act as PIC under Part 91 with only a single-pilot certificate. The second pilot requirement is part of the operating rule, not an option.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-25 (PHAK) Chapter 1. For type rating requirements broadly, see § 61.31(a).