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Duty Day Limits

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Different rules apply for Part 121, Part 135, and Part 91 federal regulations when it comes to pilot duty day limits. Part 121 refers to air carriers such as regional and major airlines. Part 135 refers to commuter and on-demand operations such as corporate and government flights. Part 91 refers to general aviation such as small aircraft and weekend flyers. Should flight time and rest time requirements be different between these parts? Part 121 is the most stringent when it comes to pilot flight hours and rest time. Pilots are limited to 1,000 hours per calendar year, 100 hours per calendar month, and 30 hours per seven consecutive days. Pilot required rest intervals are nine hours of rest for flights less than eight hours, 10 hours of rest for flights more than eight hours but less than nine hours, and 11 hours of rest for flights more than 9 hours. Part 135 is less stringent than Part 121 when it comes to pilot flight hours and rest time. Pilots are limited to 1,200 hours per calendar year, 120 hours per calendar month, and 34 hours per seven …show more content…

No pilot is immune to fatigue. All pilots need the required rest to maintain their alertness and performance to function at their highest level. Part 121 flights and rest time are controlled the most because pilots are scheduled by taking into account rest schedules and previous duty schedules. Part 135 rest times are the same as Part 121, but allow more flight time per calendar year, month, and seven consecutive days. Part 91 in general are less stringent because pilots are normally weekend flyers and do not fly as many days as Part 121 and Part 135 pilots. All pilots, no matter which Part the fly under, should maintain regular sleep habits, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and avoid going to bed hungry. Pilots should keep fit, eat regular meals, control emotional and psychological aspects of their life, and prepare for

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