Crew members must observe a mandatory 10-hour rest period within every 24-hour cycle. Their maximum duty period is 14 hours, after which they need to have a 10-hour rest period at their hotel.
Operators typically schedule 12 hours of rest instead of the minimum 10 hours. This additional time allows the crew to travel to their hotel, get the necessary rest, and return to the airport without rushing.
Understanding ‘Max Crew Duty’
‘Max crew duty’ defines the maximum time a pilot can be on duty or working within a 24-hour span. This limit is capped at 14 hours per day. Part 135 regulations also stipulate that crew members can only work a certain number of hours on consecutive days to guarantee they get sufficient rest.
| Type | Maximum Hours | Permitted Per |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Operations | 1,200 | Calendar year |
| Scheduled Operations | 120 | Calendar month |
| Scheduled Operations | 34 | Seven consecutive days |
| Scheduled Operations | 8 | 24 consecutive hours |
| Unscheduled one- to four-pilot crews | 500 | Calendar quarter |
| Unscheduled one- to four-pilot crews | 800 | Two consecutive calendar quarters |
| Unscheduled one- to four-pilot crews | 1,400 | Calendar year |
| Unscheduled one- and two-pilot crews | 8 | Flight (one pilot) |
| Unscheduled one- and two-pilot crews | 10 | Flight (two pilots) |
Crew members must adhere to a 10-hour rest period within every 24-hour cycle. The maximum duty day allowed is 14 hours, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest period at their accommodations.
Pilots perform pre-flight inspections and fueling procedures two hours before departure. After the flight, they require an additional hour for post-flight routines. If there is a fuel stop, this could add another hour. This leaves a maximum of 10 hours for actual flying, adhering to the 24/10 rule.
Exceeding max crew duty can result in infractions on a pilot’s record or even the suspension of their license. If a client is delayed and the crew is nearing their max duty limit, flight plans may need to be adjusted. For instance, if a round-trip flight is scheduled for 10 hours and the client is three hours late, the crew would exceed their max duty, necessitating a replacement crew.
However, captains have ‘Captain’s discretion’ to extend duty by up to three hours. Beyond this, the aircraft must land. This decision rests solely with the captain, not the passengers or the airline.
Captain’s discretion is a serious matter due to the risk of pilot fatigue. FAA regulations on flight hours are designed to mitigate fatigue and reduce the likelihood of human errors. While working an extra hour or two may seem minor, cumulative fatigue over time can pose significant risks. Therefore, regulations cover not only daily hours but also monthly and annual limits.
Are some flights so long they require two crews?
Longer flights may require two separate crews, varying by country. In the United States, pilots can fly up to 10 hours, or 11 hours with a third crew member aboard.
For flights longer than this, two crews are necessary. Typically, one crew rests in the enclosed rear cabin while the other operates the aircraft.
Most aircraft cannot fly nonstop for such long durations. The typical maximum range of an ultra-long-range aircraft is around 13 hours; with two crews, an additional three hours can be covered without refueling.
For flights preferring to have only one crew, a planned fuel stop allows the original crew to disembark and rest, while a new crew boards during refueling. For example, if a refueling stop is planned in Iceland, the second crew can arrive in advance to rest. The aircraft stops in Iceland for refueling and crew change, allowing another 10 hours of flight time with a fresh crew. This arrangement can be practical for flights like US to Australia.