Applicability

This regulation sets the scope for flight and duty time rules that apply to Part 121 flag all-cargo operations. It establishes three compliance options:

Small aircraft exception: Operators using aircraft with 30 or fewer passenger seats and payload capacity of 7,500 pounds or less may follow the less restrictive Part 135 rules (§§135.261-135.273) instead of Part 121 requirements.

Part 117 option: Certificate holders may choose to apply Part 117 (the newer fatigue risk management rules) to their cargo operations, whether conducted under government contract or not. However, once you elect Part 117 for your cargo operations, you must apply it consistently—you cannot pick and choose which flights follow Part 117 versus the default subpart rules.

This matters because it gives cargo operators flexibility in managing crew scheduling, potentially allowing them to use more modern fatigue management approaches or, for smaller operations, simpler Part 135 rules.

*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.*