How long can flight crews work?

Max crew duty is the maximum amount of time that a pilot can be on duty, or be working, within 24 hours. The max crew duty is 14 hours out of a 24-hour day. Part 135 regulations also require crew members to work only a set number of hours on consecutive days.



In 2026, flight crew duty limits are strictly governed by civil aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA to prevent fatigue. For unaugmented pilots (a standard two-person crew), the Maximum Flight Duty Period (FDP) typically ranges from 9 to 14 hours, depending on the number of flight segments and the time of day the duty begins. For example, a pilot starting at 8:00 AM may work up to 14 hours, whereas a late-night start might limit them to 10 or 11 hours. If the flight is "augmented" with extra pilots, duty time can extend up to 17 to 18 hours for long-haul journeys. Following a duty period, crews are legally required to have a minimum rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours, including the opportunity for 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. These regulations ensure that the individuals responsible for your safety are mentally sharp and physically capable throughout the entire operation of the aircraft.

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