FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium

Under 14 CFR Part 117, the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) is defined as occurring between which hours in the flightcrew member's theater of acclimatization?

  1. A2200–0600
  2. B0100–0459
  3. C0200–0559
  4. D0000–0400
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. 0200–0559

Part 117.3 defines the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) as the period between 0200 and 0559 in the theater to which a flightcrew member is acclimated. FDP limits in Table B are reduced when the flight duty period overlaps this window.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Too broad; not the specific hours defined in the rule
  • B. Close but does not match the exact defined hours (0200-0559)
  • D. Not the defined WOCL window under Part 117

Window of Circadian Low (WOCL)

The period from 0200 to 0559 in a flightcrew member's acclimated theater, during which human alertness is lowest, used to reduce allowable FDP under Part 117.

  • Defined in 117.3
  • Overlap with WOCL reduces maximum FDP in Table B
  • Based on acclimatization, not just local time at departure

Memory trick: 2 AM to 6 AM: your body wants to be dreaming, not flying.

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