How Many Hours Can a Pilot Fly in a Day?
The daily flight hour limit for a pilot is a common topic of discussion among aviation enthusiasts. While it’s fascinating to know how long a pilot can fly, understanding the limitations and considerations behind these hours is essential to appreciate the complexity involved.
What is a Flight Hour?
A flight hour is a specific measurement of a pilot’s total time in the cockpit. This includes the duration from taxiing to flight preparations until the aircraft has safely returned to the apron and all systems are shutdown.
Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR)
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) governing commercial pilot flight hours is contained in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1.1(b), Section 121.387.
Pilot Daily Flight Limit
A normal pilot working a typical 8-hour shift may not exceed a 8-10 flight hours. This translates to 2-4 international flights, depending on route durations.
Reserve and Supplemental Pilot Duty Limit
Reserve pilots and supplemental pilots often fly for shorter periods before going home, typically no more than 4-6 hours. Reserve duties might involve responding to crew requests, diverting aircraft, or conducting maintenance tasks.
SIC Pilot Daily Flight Limit
For Second in Command (SIC) pilots, who are licensed captains-in-training, daily flight hours are capped at 7 hours to balance workload and training goals.
Other Factors
• Time Zone Conversions: Crossing multiple time zones in a single day adds an extra layer of fatigue for pilots. Factor this into the total flight hour calculations to avoid over-extending crew resources.
• Rest and Recovery Time: Sufficient rest, ranging from 8 to 24 hours, must elapse before a pilot commences duty. Longer resting periods help mitigate pilot fatigue risks.
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack Breaks: Meal breaks are an integral part of a pilot’s workday. Scheduled break periods vary, with at least 30-45 minutes allocated for lunch.
• Training, Checking, and Safety Considerations: Pilots participate in regular training exercises and mandatory safety checks. Include these in the daily duty total when calculating crew exposure hours.
Daily Duty Flight Schedule
Refer to this sample schedule:
| Pilot | Flight #1 | Flight #2 | Rest Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain A | 8:00 – 10:30 (2.5 hrs) | 12:30 – 15:30 (3 hrs) | 3 hours rest | Completed first flight of the day |
| 2nd Officer B | 12:00 – 15:00 (3 hrs) | N/A | N/A | Finishes duties after lunch flight |
| Captain C (SIC) | 09:00 – 16:00 (7 hrs) | N/A | 8-hour rest required | Completes entire shift in one rotation |
| Reserve Pilot D | N/A | N/A | N/A | Holds availability for 6-hour duties, awaiting possible tasks |
| Supplemental Pilot E | 05:30 – 07:00 (1.5 hrs) | 07:30 – 08:30 (1 hrs) | 7 hours available for duty | Takes extended rest after duty done |
| Reserve Pilot F | 10:30 – 12:00 (1.5 hrs) | N/A | 7 hours reserve capacity available | Available to supplement for a short term |
