FAA to Pilots: Fly Higher, Ditch Masks More, Save Operators Money
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to change the rules about when pilots have to wear oxygen masks during flights. Pilots flying commuter, on-demand, and general aviation planes could fly higher without needing to wear masks all the time. These updates aim to make flying easier and cheaper for operators, with comments open until November 23, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Part 135: Two‑pilot mask altitude raised
If you operate commuter or on‑demand flights under part 135 with more than one pilot on the flightdeck, the FAA proposes changing 14 CFR 135.89(b)(3) so that at least one pilot would only be required to wear an oxygen mask when operating above Flight Level 410 (FL410) instead of the current FL350. This change is in the NPRM directed by section 834 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Part 135: Single‑pilot mask altitude raised
If you are the only pilot assigned to the flightdeck on a part 135 flight, the FAA proposes changing 14 CFR 135.89(b)(4) so the altitude that requires the pilot to wear an oxygen mask would increase from Flight Level 250 (FL250) to Flight Level 350 (FL350). The NPRM clarifies that this provision applies when only a single pilot is assigned to the flight.
Part 91: Quick‑donning masks allow any‑altitude flight
For general aviation under part 91, the FAA proposes that if quick‑donning oxygen masks are available to the pilot(s), pilots would be allowed to operate at any altitude for which the aircraft is certified without a pilot at the controls wearing an oxygen mask. If quick‑donning masks are not available, then at flight altitudes above FL350 one pilot at the controls would still be required to wear a secured and sealed oxygen mask.
Estimated oxygen servicing cost savings
FAA estimates oxygen tank servicing costs about $100 to $400 per fill‑up. The NPRM states that for every 1 percentage point decrease of the roughly 4.7 million parts 91 and 135 turbojet and multiengine turboprop operations that no longer require servicing due to this rulemaking, operators would save between $4.7 million and $18.6 million in oxygen servicing fees annually.
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