SkyGuide for Crews
Pilot Rest, Duty, Reserve, and Fatigue Questions
How 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.
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
Pilot reserve legality depends on the type of reserve, when it begins, when an assignment is given, and whether a flight duty period follows. Part 117 contains specific reserve rules, and the pilot still needs the required rest before reserve or an FDP. The CBA may impose shorter call windows or stronger protections.
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Airport or standby reserve is not the same as short-call reserve, and long-call reserve has separate notice and rest considerations. A useful question starts by identifying the exact status used by the airline.
Track reserve plus the assignment
Record reserve start, call time, report, FDP start and end, extensions, release, and next duty. The combined timeline determines which limit is being tested.
Contract limits can be more protective
A pilot agreement may address callout, conversion, assignment order, days off, pay guarantees, and recovery. Those provisions do not replace Part 117; they add a second compliance layer.
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 fatigueDoes 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.