SkyGuide for Crews
Pilot Rest, Duty, Reserve, and Fatigue Questions
Does Deadhead Count as Pilot Duty or Rest?
Under Part 117, required deadhead transportation is duty and is not rest, although its treatment inside an FDP and under a contract requires closer review.
Reviewed against primary U.S. sources - July 15, 2026
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Contract answer preview
"What facts matter before I ask about this contract issue?"
Short answer
For pilots covered by Part 117, transportation required by the certificate holder—other than transportation to or from suitable accommodation—is deadhead transportation. All deadhead time is duty and is not rest. Whether it counts as a flight segment, how it affects an FDP, and how it is paid are separate questions.
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My contract is supported - sign up Not listed? See the waitlist and progress optionsDuty status and pay status are different
The regulation answers the safety classification. The CBA answers compensation, credit, seating, class of service, positive-space travel, and pay protection. A deadhead can be duty under Part 117 without being paid minute for minute.
Position in the sequence matters
Deadhead before flying, between flights, or after the final operating leg can affect the legality analysis differently. Save both the planned and actual sequence, including any added transportation.
Transportation to accommodation is treated differently
Part 117's deadhead definition excludes transportation to or from suitable accommodation. That does not automatically settle every contractual rest or transportation question, so check the agreement's definitions too.
This page provides general U.S. educational information, not legal advice or an individual legality determination. Regulations, agreements, side letters, policies, and facts can change the result. Use current official channels for safety decisions, discipline, medical or leave issues, and grievance deadlines.
Primary sources
Use the current regulation, agency guidance, and your current collective bargaining agreement for an individual decision.
- FAA: Flightcrew Member Duty and Rest Requirements Final Rule
Federal Aviation Administration - FAA: Guidance Associated with 14 CFR Part 117
Federal Aviation Administration
Related crew questions
How much rest do airline pilots get?
Under Part 117, covered passenger-airline pilots generally need a 10-consecutive-hour rest period that includes an opportunity for eight uninterrupted hours of sleep.
Pilot rest and fatigueWhat is the difference between a pilot flight duty period and duty?
Part 117 defines flight duty period and duty separately, which matters for deadhead, training, administrative work, rest, and cumulative limits.
Pilot rest and fatigueCan a pilot accept an assignment when fatigued?
Part 117 makes fitness for duty a shared responsibility and bars an assignment after the pilot reports being too fatigued to perform safely.
Pilot rest and fatigueHow do pilot reserve and rest rules work together?
Part 117 distinguishes airport/standby reserve, short-call reserve, long-call reserve, and reserve followed by an FDP; the exact limit depends on the sequence.