New rules went into place on January 3rd, 2014 regarding Part 121 flight, duty, and rest regulations. Recognizing that aviation safety is directly related to the alertness of the flight crew and the increased possibility of error, the advanced regulations focus on factors that can lead to fatigue.
The improved rules are dependent on whether the flight crew is acclimated to a new time zone and the likelihood of being able to sleep under different circumstances.
A few highlights of the new rules include:
- Pilots must have at least 10 hours of rest in between shifts – 8 of those hours are to be uninterrupted sleep.
- Pilot overnight flying time is now limited to either 8 or 9 hours, depending on what time their duty day began and the number of take-offs and landings.
- Pilots must receive 30 consecutive hours of rest per week, increasing from 24 consecutive hours.
PJS applauds the FAA for proactively improving the flight and duty rest regulations to prevent potential risk for passengers. As this is a final rule, the new FAA regulation will take effect in two years. To learn more about the new FAA rules, click here.
