Second in command required in Category II operations

This regulation is straightforward: if you're conducting a Category II instrument approach, you must have a second in command on board. There are no exceptions.

Category II approaches are precision instrument approaches that allow landing in very low visibility conditions—typically down to 100-foot decision heights and runway visual ranges as low as 1,200 feet. These approaches demand high pilot workload and precise aircraft control near the ground in poor visibility.

The regulation recognizes this increased complexity and risk by mandating two-pilot operations. The second in command provides essential backup for monitoring instruments, callouts, and decision-making during these demanding approaches. This requirement applies regardless of whether the aircraft type certificate normally requires a second pilot or whether the pilot in command holds special Category II authorization. If you're flying a Category II approach under Part 135, you need two pilots in the cockpit.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*