FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Hard
During an unforeseen operational circumstance (such as an unexpected weather delay), a Part 121 PIC wants to extend the maximum unaugmented 2-pilot flight duty period beyond the Table B limit. Under 14 CFR 117.19, what is the maximum extension allowed, and who must agree to it?
- ANo extension is permitted under any circumstances
- BUp to 3 hours, approved by the dispatcher alone
- CUp to 1 hour, at the sole discretion of the pilot in command
- DUp to 2 hours, with agreement of the pilot in command and dispatcher (or flight follower)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Up to 2 hours, with agreement of the pilot in command and dispatcher (or flight follower)
14 CFR 117.19 allows the PIC, in the event of unforeseen operational circumstances, to extend the FDP by up to 2 hours (or up to 30 minutes for augmented crews beyond 16 hours), but this requires agreement between the PIC and the dispatcher or flight follower involved.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Extensions are explicitly permitted under unforeseen circumstances per 117.19.
- B. 3 hours exceeds the allowed extension, and dispatcher alone cannot authorize it.
- C. 1 hour understates the allowed extension and omits the required dispatcher agreement.
FDP Extension for Unforeseen Circumstances
14 CFR 117.19 permits limited FDP extensions when unforeseen operational circumstances arise after report time.
- Extension up to 2 hours for most crew configurations
- Requires joint agreement of PIC and dispatcher/flight follower
- Must be an unforeseen circumstance arising after the FDP began, not a planned condition
Memory trick: "Two heads, two hours — PIC and dispatcher decide together."