FAA releases draft interpretation on rest reqs for supplemental air carriers

Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration on April 2 released a draft interpretation (.pdf file) of pilot rest requirements for certain nonstop international flights.

FAA said it has received reports that supplemental air carriers – which provide non-scheduled or charter transport of passengers or cargo – are misinterpreting and misapplying flight time limitation exceptions. Depending on factors such as the amount of crew onboard and the scheduled duration, these flights may fall under FAA’s international rules, which have additional rest provisions to account for the longer flights.

For example, a flight scheduled for more than 12 hours, with four pilots, and beginning outside the contiguous United States and landing inside it would result in the carrier needing to supply appropriate crew rest facilities.

Comments on the draft interpretation are due May 2.