Flight time limitations: Two pilot crews: airplanes

This regulation sets flight and duty time limits for two-pilot crews operating under Part 121 supplemental rules (typically charter operations).

Flight time and rest requirements: If a pilot is scheduled to fly more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period, the carrier must provide a rest period at or before reaching 8 hours of flight duty. This rest must be at least twice the hours flown since the last rest period, with an 8-hour minimum. During this rest, the pilot must be completely relieved of all duties.

Maximum duty period: No pilot may be on duty for more than 16 hours in any 24 consecutive hours.

In practice, this means if a pilot flies 6 hours, they need at least 12 hours rest before their next duty period. If they fly 4 hours or less, they still need the 8-hour minimum. The 16-hour duty limit caps the total workday regardless of actual flight time, helping prevent fatigue in demanding charter operations.

*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.*