Applicability

This regulation sets the scope for flight time and rest requirements that apply to Part 121 domestic all-cargo operations, with several important exceptions.

Small cargo operators (aircraft with 30 or fewer passenger seats and payload capacity of 7,500 pounds or less) may follow the less stringent Part 135 rules instead. Certificate holders flying larger aircraft solely within Alaska or Hawaii can choose between this subpart's rules or Subpart R requirements.

Most significantly, cargo operators can opt to use Part 117's flight and duty time rules—the modern fatigue management system typically used for passenger operations. They can apply Part 117 to government contract cargo flights, non-government cargo flights, or both. However, once they choose Part 117 for a category of operations, they must apply it consistently to all flights in that category—they cannot pick and choose which flights follow which rules on a flight-by-flight basis.

*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.*