Maximum Hours Pilots Can Fly in a Week: An In-Depth Guide

The number of hours a pilot can fly in a week varies significantly depending on the type of pilot, the regulations they operate under, and their specific flight schedule. This guide aims to clarify the rules governing flight and duty time for pilots across different sectors, from air taxi operators to airline pilots.

Regulations for Helicopter Air Taxi Pilots

For helicopters operating as air taxis, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part 135 regulations set specific limits on the number of flying hours a pilot can accumulate. According to these regulations, a single pilot can legally fly up to 8 hours in a day, while a crewed aircraft can operate under 10 hours daily.

This translates to a weekly limit of 49 hours for a single pilot and 70 hours for a pilot and copilot. It is important to note that while these are the legal limits, they might rarely be reached in practice. A pilot on a 14-day on, 14-day off schedule managed to fly a maximum of 102 hours in a 14-day period during their highest-time contract.

Complexities in Pilot Regulations

Complications arise from various factors such as the presence of a relief pilot, the start time of the duty day, and the specific governing body (e.g., EASA, CAA UK, FAA).

The rules can vary based on the pilot's designation, whether they are an ATP (Air Transportation Pilot) or a private or commercial pilot. ATPs, for instance, have unique regulations which can be found in the FAA's Far Part 121.

Airline Pilots: Specific Rules and Limitations

A UK-licensed pilot operating in a two-man crew airline on long-haul flights can fly between 9 to 11 hours per day for five days within a rolling seven-day period. This equates to a weekly flying time of approximately 45 to 55 hours. However, these pilots cannot normally exceed 100 hours per month or 1000 hours per year.

Some key limits in airline pilots' flying hours are:

100 hours per month (this averages to 25 hours per week) 1000 hours per year (this averages to 19 hours per week)

The restrictions are primarily in place to ensure the health and flight safety of pilots, preventing fatigue and the associated risks.

Calculating Flight Time: The Rolling Seven-Day Rule

Determining the exact number of flight hours within a seven-day period can be complex, especially when multiple flights are involved. The rule follows a rolling seven-day cycle, where the last day's flight time is dropped if the total exceeds the limit, and the new day's flight time is added. For example, if a pilot flew 30 hours in a week, the rule would apply the rolling seven-day cycle, disregarding the excess flight time from a previous week.

International flights sometimes make exceptions, allowing for a 32-hour flying limit within a seven-day period. However, this calculation only applies if a two-pilot crew operates the aircraft. With three or more pilots in the crew, daily and weekly limits are relaxed accordingly. The specific details for this rule can be easily missed due to the complexity of the regulations.

Further Reading and Resources

For a more detailed understanding of the rules and regulations governing pilot flying hours, you may refer to the following resources:

FAA Regulations Airline Pilot Terminology Explained: Flight Time and Duty Time Limitations

Understanding these regulations is crucial for any pilot to ensure they comply with the legal and safety requirements of their profession.