Maximum Weekly Flying Hours for Pilots: A Comprehensive Guide

The maximum number of flying hours a pilot can log in a week varies depending on the type of operation—Part 121 air carrier, Part 135 charter, and Part 91 general aviation—along with the specific regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. Understanding these limits is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of pilots and those they carry.

Part 121 Air Carrier Operations

Under FAA regulations for Part 121 air carrier operations, the following limits apply:

A pilot may not fly more than 100 hours in any 30-day period. In a calendar year, a pilot may not exceed 1000 flight hours. The maximum flight duty period (FDP) can generally be up to 14 hours depending on circumstances.

These strict limits are in place to protect the health and safety of pilots, reducing the risk of pilot fatigue.

Part 135 Charter and Commuter Operations

For Part 135 charter and commuter operations, the limits are somewhat similar but offer more flexibility depending on the specifics of the operation and the pilot's schedule. Typically, pilots can legally fly up to 8 hours per day in single-pilot aircraft or 10 hours per day in crewed aircraft, equating to 49 hours per week if flying a single pilot or 70 hours per week for a pilot and copilot. However, practical considerations mean these maximums are rarely seen in everyday operations.

An example from personal experience shows a 14-day on and 14-day off schedule, where the highest contract allowed the pilot to fly 102 hours in a 14-day period. This was the limit I was able to manage, but realistically, seeing such high numbers is rare.

Part 91 General Aviation

For Part 91 general aviation, there are no specific hourly limits. However, pilots are still required to manage their fatigue and ensure they are fit to fly. Although there are no strict regulations, the same principles of health and flight safety apply, meaning pilots must take health and fatigue seriously.

Complications and Variations

The limits on pilot flying hours can be complicated by whether you operate under EASA, CAAUK, or FAA rules, and whether you are a private, utility, or airline pilot. A UK-licensed pilot in a two-man crew operating on long haul flights can typically fly 9 to 11 hours per day for 5 days in a rolling 7-day period. This allows for roughly 45 to 55 hours a week. However, the pilot cannot normally fly more than 100 hours per month or 1000 hours per year.

100 hours/month 25 hours/week, 1000 hours/year 19 hours/week

These restrictions on airline pilots are aimed at preventing pilot fatigue, which can significantly impact flight safety.

Conclusion

Understanding the maximum flying hours for pilots is essential for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting the well-being of pilots. Whether flying under Part 121, 135, or 91 regulations, or operating under different rules from EASA, CAAUK, or FAA, the primary goal is to maintain health and flight safety.