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

Under 14 CFR Part 117, what minimum rest period must a certificate holder provide a flightcrew member immediately before the start of a flight duty period?

  1. A12 consecutive hours regardless of circumstances
  2. B9 consecutive hours
  3. C8 consecutive hours with no sleep opportunity requirement
  4. D10 consecutive hours, including an opportunity for 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 10 consecutive hours, including an opportunity for 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep

14 CFR 117.25 requires a minimum rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours prior to the start of an FDP, and that rest period must provide the flightcrew member an opportunity for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 12 hours is not the baseline minimum, though longer rest may sometimes be needed.
  • B. 9 hours is not a value used in Part 117 rest rules.
  • C. 8 hours alone is the sleep opportunity, not the full rest period.

Part 117 Minimum Rest Period

The minimum time off duty required before a flightcrew member may begin a flight duty period.

  • Minimum 10 consecutive hours before FDP begins
  • Must include opportunity for 8 hours uninterrupted sleep
  • Rest period begins when free from all duty and transportation to lodging

Memory trick: "10 to rest, 8 to sleep."

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