What is the 2 pilot rule?

Simply put, there must be at least two people in the cockpit at all times when the aircraft is airborne. Indeed, when flying below 10,000 ft, the sterile cockpit rule applies, which prohibits all unnecessary conversation and activities. This includes leaving the cockpit for reasons other than absolutely necessary.



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Aviation regulations state that two pilots are required onboard a commercial aircraft, but they don't typically state that two pilots must remain in the cockpit at all times. However, airlines are free to implement their procedures, above and beyond what the regulator requires.

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Currently, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards allow a person between the age of 60 and 65 to serve as pilot in command (PIC) of an airplane with two or more pilots, in international commercial air transport operations, the PIC must be paired with a pilot younger than 60 years of age.

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A general rule of thumb for initial IFR descent planning in jets is the 3 to 1 formula. This means that it takes 3 NM to descend 1,000 feet. If an airplane is at FL 310 and the approach gate or initial approach fix is at 6,000 feet, the initial descent requirement equals 25,000 feet (31,000–6,000).

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Flight times within the duty periods are restricted to a maximum of 8 hours for flight crews consisting of one pilot and 10 hours for flight crews consisting of two pilots. The 8-hour and 10-hour flight time limitations include any additional commercial flying performed by the flight crew during the period.

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A single pilot may be unable to manage critical circumstances alone. While flying, one pilot is usually handling the controls and steering the plane while the other is monitoring for any issues or anomalies. This also allows each pilot to take breaks and avoid fatigue, which can have fatal consequences.

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Sitting on the left side of the cockpit, the PIC has a better view of the runway during traffic patterns to the left. The left-turning tendencies caused by P-factor, a symmetrical thrust, spiraling slipstream, and torque make it easier for the airplane to turn to the left rather than the right.

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On a flight, the co-pilot acts as the second-in-command under the captain. This means that a co-pilot can often have lower-level responsibilities and can take instructions immediately from the captain during a flight.

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(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. (b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.

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In the United States, a pilot is required to log all flight time that is used to meet the minimum requirements for a certificate, rating, flight review, or instrument proficiency check, and for currency. This means that a pilot does not need to record every single one of his or her flights.

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A go-around is a relatively rare maneuver for most commercial pilots. On average, a short-haul pilot may make a go-around once or twice a year, and a long-haul pilot may make one every 2 to 3 years. Going around carries risks which include: Ineffective initiation of go-around can lead to Loss of Control (LOC).

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