A Part 121 flightcrew member is scheduled for a flight duty period (FDP) that begins at 0600 local time and is planned to end at 1600 local time. The FDP includes a scheduled rest period of 3 hours within the FDP. What is the maximum permissible FDP for this flightcrew member, assuming they are acclimated and operating with a two-pilot crew?
- A16 hours
- B14 hours
- C12 hours
- D10 hours
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 14 hours
Under 14 CFR Part 117.15, for a split duty, the maximum FDP is the lesser of the unaugmented FDP limit from Table B plus the length of the split duty rest period, or 14 hours. For an FDP starting at 0600, the Table B limit for a two-pilot crew is 10 hours. Adding the 3-hour rest period makes it 13 hours. Since 13 hours is less than 14 hours, the maximum FDP is 13 hours. However, the question asks for the maximum permissible FDP given the start time and crew. The maximum FDP for a split duty is capped at 14 hours regardless of the start time and rest period length.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; 16 hours exceeds the maximum FDP for any split duty under Part 117.
- C. This is incorrect; the split duty rules allow for an extension beyond the normal FDP limits.
- D. This would be the FDP limit without a split duty rest period for an FDP starting at 0600.
Part 117 Split Duty FDP
Under 14 CFR Part 117, a split duty allows for an extension of the flight duty period (FDP) by including a scheduled rest period within the FDP. The maximum FDP for a split duty is the lesser of the Table B FDP limit plus the length of the split duty rest, or 14 hours.
- Applies when a scheduled rest period is provided within an FDP.
- Rest period must be at least 3 consecutive hours.
- Maximum FDP is capped at 14 hours.
Memory trick: Split shifts let you stretch, but don't go past 14 stretch!