Pilot Rest: How Tiredness Is Prevented

Tired Pilots Aren't Allowed to Fly

Pilot tiredness is one of the most carefully managed risks in aviation. The rules aren't suggestions. They're legal limits that every airline must follow.

The Main Rules

In the US, the rules are set out in FAA Part 117. They include:

• At least 10 hours of rest before each duty, with the chance of 8 hours' unbroken sleep
• No more than 8 or 9 hours of flying in one duty, depending on the time of day
• A limit on the whole working day of 9 to 14 hours, depending on the start time and number of flights
• No more than 100 flying hours in any 28 days, and 1,000 in a year

Europe and other regions have similar rules.

Airlines Must Manage Tiredness

US airlines must also have an approved fatigue management plan. It uses sleep science to spot tiring schedules and fix them before they're flown.

Pilots Can Say No

Every pilot has the right — and the legal duty — to step off a flight if they feel too tired. The airline must then find a replacement. No schedule overrides this.

Long Flights Carry Extra Pilots

On long flights, airlines add a third or fourth pilot. The pilots take turns to rest in a private crew bunk. That way, a well-rested pilot is always at the controls, and everyone is fresh for landing.

What This Means for You

The pilots on your flight have had the rest the law requires. If they weren't fit to fly, they wouldn't be there.

Sources

• FAA, 14 CFR Part 117 — Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-117
• FAA, Pilot Fatigue: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/fatigue.pdf