FAA proposes dropping FL410 oxygen mask rule for Part 91 and 135 ops

The FAA has proposed eliminating the requirement for pilots to wear oxygen masks above flight level 410 in Part 91 and Part 135 operations, and says a pilot would not need to wear a mask at any certified altitude if quick‑donning masks are within reach.

The agency notes that operators in those categories logged more than 20 million hours above flight level 250 between January 2015 and May 2025, during which roughly 200 decompressions were reported and only four were possibly rapid or explosive, and estimates the rule change could save $4.7 million to $18.6 million per year in oxygen servicing costs.