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 infringes on the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) by 3 hours. Assuming a 2-pilot unaugmented crew, what is the maximum flight time permitted for this FDP?
- A9 hours
- B8 hours
- C10 hours
- D11 hours
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 9 hours
According to 14 CFR 117.11, Table A, for a 2-pilot unaugmented crew, if the FDP infringes on the WOCL by 3 hours, the maximum flight time is 9 hours. The WOCL infringement starts at one hour or more.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 8 hours is the maximum flight time for WOCL infringements of 4 hours or more, or if the FDP starts between 0500 and 0559.
- C. 10 hours is the maximum flight time for FDPs starting between 0600 and 0659 or between 1900 and 2059.
- D. 11 hours is the maximum flight time for FDPs starting between 0700 and 1859, with no WOCL infringement.
Part 117 Flight Time Limits (WOCL Infringement)
14 CFR Part 117 Table A specifies maximum flight times based on the start time of the flight duty period (FDP) and the extent to which the FDP infringes on the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL).
- WOCL is 0200-0559 local time.
- Infringement by 1-3 hours reduces max flight time.
- Infringement by 4+ hours further reduces max flight time.
- Table A applies to unaugmented crews.
Memory trick: WOCL woes cut flight time, check the chart, don't miss your prime.