The Air Navigation Order 2009

Pilots required on public transport flights by aeroplanes of 5700kg or less

45.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4) an aeroplane registered in the United Kingdom must carry at least two pilots as members of its flight crew if it—

(a) is flying for the purpose of public transport;

(b) has a maximum total weight authorised of 5700kg or less;

(c) is flying in circumstances where the commander is required to comply with the Instrument Flight Rules; and

(d) comes within paragraph (2).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), an aeroplane comes within this paragraph if it has—

(a) one or more turbine jets;

(b) one or more turbine propeller engines and is provided with a means of pressurising the personnel compartments;

(c) two or more turbine propeller engines and a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of more than nine;

(d) two or more turbine propeller engines and a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of fewer than 10, and is not provided with a means of pressurising the personnel compartments; or

(e) two or more piston engines.

(3) An aeroplane does not come within paragraph (2)(d) or (e) if it is equipped with an autopilot which has been approved by the CAA for the purposes of this article and which is serviceable on take-off.

(4) An aeroplane—

(a) described in paragraph (2)(d) or (e) which is equipped with an approved autopilot is not required to carry two pilots even though before take-off the approved autopilot is found to be unserviceable, if the aeroplane flies in accordance with arrangements approved by the CAA;

(b) described in paragraph (2)(c), (d) or (e) which is flying under and in accordance with the terms of a police air operator’s certificate is not required to carry two pilots.