FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
Under 14 CFR Part 117, a flightcrew member is scheduled for a flight duty period (FDP) that includes a segment that departs at 0100 local time. This segment falls within the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL). What is the maximum flight time permissible for this flightcrew member during this FDP, assuming they are acclimated and the FDP is scheduled for a single flight segment with two pilots?
- A12 hours
- B8 hours
- C10 hours
- D9 hours
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 8 hours
14 CFR 117.11(a)(2) specifies the maximum flight time limits. For an FDP that infringes on the WOCL by more than 3 hours, the maximum flight time for a two-pilot crew is 8 hours.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; 12 hours is a limit for FDPs that do not infringe on the WOCL and have specific augmentation.
- C. This is incorrect; 10 hours is a limit for FDPs not infringing on the WOCL, or with augmentation.
- D. This is incorrect; 9 hours is a limit for FDPs not infringing on the WOCL, or with augmentation.
Part 117 Flight Time Limits (WOCL Infringement)
14 CFR Part 117 establishes maximum flight time limits for flightcrew members within a flight duty period (FDP), which can be reduced if the FDP infringes upon the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL).
- WOCL is generally 0200-0559 local time.
- Flight time limits vary based on crew complement and WOCL infringement.
- These limits are distinct from FDP limits.
Memory trick: WOCL Cuts Flight Time Significantly.