Flight time limitations: Four pilot crews: airplanes

This regulation sets duty and flight time limits for supplemental operations using four-pilot crews.

Certificate holders cannot schedule a pilot for more than 8 hours of flight deck duty in any 24-hour period when operating with a four-pilot crew. The actual time aloft is limited to 16 hours in any 24-hour period. Additionally, total duty time cannot exceed 20 hours in any 24-hour period.

These limits recognize that four-pilot crews allow for rest rotation during flight, enabling longer flights than two or three-pilot operations. The 8-hour flight deck duty limit means each pilot actively works the controls or monitors for up to 8 hours, while the 16-hour aloft limit accommodates ultra-long-range flights where pilots can rest in designated crew rest facilities. The 20-hour duty limit covers all work-related activities including preflight, flight time, and post-flight duties. These rules apply specifically to supplemental operations (typically charter and some cargo flights), not scheduled passenger service.

*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.*