Flight time limitations: Overseas and international operations: airplanes

This regulation gives certificate holders conducting supplemental operations a choice in which flight time limitation rules they follow for certain long-distance flights. Instead of using the standard domestic rules (§§121.503-121.511), they may opt to use an alternative set of rules (§§121.515 and 121.521-121.525) designed for overseas and international operations.

This option applies to three types of flights:

• Between the lower 48 states/DC or Alaska and anywhere outside those areas
• Between two places both outside the lower 48 states, DC, and Alaska
• Within Alaska or within Hawaii

In practice, this matters because overseas and international flights often involve different operational considerations—like extended flight times, multiple time zones, and crew rest requirements—that may be better addressed by the alternative rule set. The carrier can choose whichever framework works better for their specific operation type.

*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.*