FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
Under 14 CFR Part 117, when does a flightcrew member's flight duty period (FDP) begin?
- AWhen the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight
- BWhen the flightcrew member completes preflight planning duties at home
- CWhen the flightcrew member reports for duty with the intention of conducting a flight
- DWhen the aircraft door is closed for departure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. When the flightcrew member reports for duty with the intention of conducting a flight
14 CFR 117.3 defines flight duty period as beginning when a flightcrew member is required to report for duty with the intention of conducting a flight, and it ends when the aircraft is parked after the last flight segment. Taxi, engine start, and door closure are not the trigger points.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Aircraft movement marks the start of flight time, not the FDP.
- B. Preflight planning at home is not an official duty report point.
- D. Door closure is unrelated to the official start of the FDP.
FDP Start Time (117.3)
The flight duty period begins when a flightcrew member reports for duty with the intent of conducting a flight, and ends when the aircraft is parked after the last flight.
- Defined under 117.3
- Distinct from flight time, which starts with aircraft movement
- Governs application of Table B FDP limits
Memory trick: 'Report to fly, that's when the clock starts to fly.'