FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Easy
An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is scheduled to serve as pilot in command for a Part 121 flight. Before accepting the assignment, the pilot feels unusually fatigued due to a recent illness. Under 14 CFR Part 117, what is the pilot's responsibility regarding fitness for duty?
- AThe pilot may accept the assignment if they believe they can perform duties safely.
- BThe pilot must attempt to mitigate fatigue through rest before reporting for duty.
- CThe pilot must notify the certificate holder and decline the assignment.
- DThe pilot must only decline if symptoms visibly impair performance.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The pilot must notify the certificate holder and decline the assignment.
14 CFR Part 117.5(d) explicitly states that a flightcrew member must not accept an assignment if they know or suspect that they are fatigued or have a medical condition that may impair their ability to perform their assigned duties safely. They must also notify the certificate holder.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; personal belief is secondary to the regulatory requirement to not accept if fatigued.
- B. While mitigating fatigue is generally good practice, the regulation specifically requires declining the assignment if *currently* fatigued and notifying the certificate holder.
- D. This is incorrect; the regulation emphasizes self-assessment of fatigue or medical condition, not just visible impairment.
117.5 Fitness for Duty
14 CFR Part 117.5 outlines the responsibility of flightcrew members to assess their fitness for duty, prohibiting them from accepting or continuing an assignment if they are fatigued or have a medical condition that impairs their ability to perform duties safely.
- Flightcrew members are responsible for their own fitness for duty.
- Must not accept an assignment if fatigued or medically impaired.
- Must notify the certificate holder if unable to perform duties safely.
Memory trick: Fatigued? Notify, then REFUSE, it's the safest cruise!