FAR Part 117 Essentials For AA Pilots

FAR Part 117 Essentials for AA PilotsIntroductionOn January 4, 2014, new Flight Time and Duty Time regulations (FAR Part 117) will takeeffect. Without a doubt, these rules are far more complex than those to which we areaccustomed. However, they represent a significant leap forward in terms of applyingcurrent fatigue science regarding physiology and circadian rhythms to Flight Time and DutyTime regulations. These new rules reflect the reality of 24-hour, global airline operations andthe fact that a “one size fits all” approach is not appropriate for preventing pilot fatigue.Several guides to these new regulations have already been published and are readilyavailable on the Internet. However, most of these guides contain extensive detail. Theenclosed “Essentials” package is designed to give pilots a quick overview of the newregulations and how they apply in day-to-day operations. Beginning in January, most of thecurrent APA contractual provisions related to flight time, duty time and rest will be replacedby FAR 117. Where contractual provisions still exist, the limitations contained in thisdocument reflect the more restrictive of FAR 117 and the APA Collective BargainingAgreement (CBA), as they apply to AA operations.Because some sequences and duty periods fly through from December into January andstart before January 4 but continue until or past January 4, the FAA has approved a phasedimplementation during that period. Any sequence that starts in December will operateentirely under FAR Part 121. Any sequence that starts January 1 or later will operate undernew FAR Part 117. Additionally, the FAA has ruled that all cumulative limitations under FARPart 117 will start with no look-back — their value will initially be zero. They will then be ineffect going forward.Because of the complexity of this new regulation, we will publish this guide in five digestibleinstallments. Additionally, it will be updated as necessary based on FAA clarifications andinterpretations. Definitions for key terms are provided throughout and noted with /13

OverviewIn general terms, FAR 117 represents the following changes:General Requirement for each pilot to declare fitness for duty before each leg. Elimination of separate "international" and "domestic" rules. The same set of rules appliesto every pilot.Ø INT reserves will now have RAPS.Ø DOM flights can be operated with FBs.Ø No more “twice the flying time off” after international ops.Ø International rest is the same as domestic rest.Concept of the “Window of Circadian Low” (WOCL) is used to adjust some limits. WOCL: 0200–0559 Home Base Time (HBT)Flight Duty New term “Flight Duty Period” (FDP), by definition, does not include debrief.New weekly and monthly cumulative FDP limits.Flight and FDP limits are based on sign-in time andØ number of scheduled legs (2 pilots) orØ quality of in-flight rest seat/bunk (3 or 4 pilots).Flight Time Flight limits are based on sign-in time and number of pilots.2-pilot crews can fly for up to 8 or 9 hours, based on sign-in time.3-pilot crews can fly for up to 13 hours.4-pilot crews can fly for up to 17 hours.Flight time (as well as weekly and monthly FDP) limits are hard limits.Ø No more “legal to start, legal to finish.”No more 30- or 32-in-7 flight time limits (but monthly and annual limits are now based onrolling hours and calendars).Rest No more reduced/compensatory rest.All rest periods must be at least 10 hours and must include an 8-hour, uninterrupted sleepopportunity.The old 24 hours off in 7 days is upgraded to 30 hours off in 168 hours (7 days).No more rest based on duration of flight time.Late-Night and Early-Morning Operations New restrictions on multiple, consecutive WOCL /21/13

Fit for DutyFAR 117.3 defines “fit for duty” as being physiologically and mentally prepared andcapable of performing assigned duties at the highest degree of safety. FAR 117requires each pilot to affirmatively state his or her fitness for duty before each leg. If you are fit for duty:The procedure for declaring yourself fit for duty is similar to that for signing the Flight Plan.You may do so by any of the following:1. CCI buttons:Ø PIC: Sign Flt Plan/Fit for Duty (one click for both actions)Ø FO/FB/FC: Confirm Fit for Duty (one click)2. ACARS entry:Ø MISC 22 orØ FTM3. FOS Personal Mode entry:Ø HIFIT/flt#/date/cityLoad closeout is inhibited until all pilots have confirmed fitness for duty.NS - * on first leg of FDP/"F" on subsequent legs next to name indicates declaration offitness for duty is complete. If you are not fit for duty:If at any point you feel you are not fit for duty, immediately contact Crew Scheduling orTracking, as appropriate. Once a pilot states, “I am fatigued,” the company is obligatedto remove the pilot.For more information on Fitness for Duty, refer to FAA AC 3

Flight Duty Period LimitsFAR 117 limits flight duty by:1. Individual FDP limits2. Cumulative FDP limitsFlight Duty Period (FDP): A period that begins when a pilot is required to report forduty with the intention of conducting a flight or series of flights and ends when theaircraft is parked after the last flight with no intention for further aircraft movement bythe same pilot.Note: As per the FAR definition, FDP does not include debrief. However, debrief is included in theAA/APA CBA definition of duty period. Also, debrief is not part of a rest period.FDP limits by individual FDP:At the core of the new Flight Time/Duty Time rules are two tables used to determine how long a pilotmay be scheduled for an FDP. The table values may be exceeded in actual operations by amaximum of two hours (with certain restrictions, discussed in the Delays and Extensions section), butonly with concurrence of dispatch and the PIC.Table B is used for 2-pilot crews. Table C is used for 3- and 4-pilot (augmented) 3

FAR 117 Table B and Table C FDP LimitsThese tables are not only for planning purposes. Before any takeoff (including from adiversion airport), it must be verified that the flight can be completed within the FDP limit foreach crew member (including any extension agreed to by the PIC).Table B: 2-Pilot CrewsTo determine the maximum FDP, enter the chart with the scheduled sign-in time, based on HBT. (Ifyou are more than 60 longitude from home base, see Acclimation on the next page.) Find yourmaximum FDP listed under the number of scheduled flight legs.Flight Duty Period Limits: 2 Pilots*Number of Scheduled Legs in the Duty Period(not counting diversions or deadhead legs)ScheduledSign-In 2592300–23591234567 99911111212119999910.510.511.511.510.5999*PIC may agree to extend up to 2 hours. Extension of 30 minutes permitted only onceuntil a 30-hour rest period is received.NOTES:1. If a pilot is assigned an FDP consisting of both augmented and un-augmented flying,the most restrictive rules apply.2. The Company plans to apply buffers by scheduling to less than the table values tominimize operational 1/21/13

Table C: 3- and 4-Pilot (Augmented) Crews Augmented crews are limited to 3 legs per FDP. (DH and diversions don’t count as legs.) Augmented crews’ FDP limits are a function of sign-in time and quality of the in-flight crew restfacility.To determine maximum FDP, enter the chart with the scheduled sign-in time, based on HBT. (If youare more than 60 longitude from the previous FDP starting point, see Acclimation below.) Find yourmaximum FDP limit listed under the type of in-flight crew rest facility on your aircraft (e.g. Class 1 –777, Class 2 – B-767-300 w/curtain, Class 3 – B-767-300 and 757 European configuration, w/o curtain).FDP Limits: More Than 2 Pilots*Minimum InclineSeparationLight ControlClass 1 Rest FacilityFlatWallPilot ControlledClass 2 Rest FacilityFlat or Nearly FlatCurtainDarkness Via CurtainClass 3 Rest Facility40 w/Leg eIsolationScheduledSign-In Time3 Pilots4 Pilots3 Pilots4 Pilots3 Pilots4 516.51816.515.5131415141313.514.515.514.513.5*PIC may agree to extend up to 2 hours. Extension of 30 minutes permitted only once in aDuty Period.NOTES:1. If a pilot is assigned an FDP consisting of both augmented and un-augmented flying,the most restrictive rules apply.2. The Company plans to apply buffers by scheduling to less than the table values tominimize operational 1/21/13

Acclimation: The following applies to both Table B & C FDPs.Theater: The geographic area where the difference between departure point and final arrivalpoint of an FDP does not exceed 60 longitude.Acclimated: When you have either1) remained in a theater for 72 hours or2) been given at least 36 consecutive hours rest in a theater,then you are considered “acclimated” to that theater per FAR 117.When you have changed theaters and are commencing a subsequent FDP in that new theater:1. If you are not acclimated to the new theater:Ø Enter Table B or C based on your HBT.Ø Reduce the limit values in Table B or C by 30 minutes.2. If you are acclimated to a new theater:Ø enter Table B or C based on HBT or local time (still under discussion; see note below)andØ use limit values as listed in Table B or C (no reduction).NOTE: The relationship between HBT and acclimation per # 2 above is still under discussion bythe Company and APA. The exact application of this provision will be communicatedto pilots when the issue is resolved.See definitions section for additional information on acclimation and /13

FDP Limits by Cumulative LimitsCumulative FDP LimitsPer rolling 168 hours (7 days)60 hoursPer rolling 672 hours (28 days)190 hoursTake-off is not permitted if you will exceed any of these limits.This table is NOT solely for planning purposes. Unlike the Table B & C-based FDPlimits, the cumulative FDP limits can be extended only when unforeseen operationalcircumstances occur after takeoff.Before every takeoff (including from a diversion airport), it must be verified that theFDP can be completed within all of the above FDP limits (including any agreed-toTable B or C 1/21/13

Flight Time LimitsFAR 117 limits flight time based on both sign-in time and the number of pilots.Flight Time Limits (Hours)Per FDPTime of Report (HBT or 3598If Any Duty (Sign In to Debrief) Touches the WOCL(0200–0559 HBT) CBA 15.5.a.23 Pilots13*4 Pilots17**Max 3 Legs8Per rolling 672 hours (28 days)100 hoursPer rolling 365 days1000 hoursTake-off is not permitted if you will exceed any of these limits.This table is NOT solely for planning purposes.Before every takeoff (including from a diversion airport), it must be verified that the flight can becompleted within all of the above flight time limits. The flight time limits within an individual FDPand/or the cumulative totals may not be exceeded. The only time the limits may be exceeded iswhen unforeseen circumstances occur while airborne on the last leg of an FDP.What this means:These are hard limits. No more “legal to start, legal to finish.” You are not allowed to take off on a legwhere the scheduled flight time (including taxi-in time) will exceed any flight time limit, even if just bya minute.A 2-pilot crew that is legally scheduled for three 3-hour legs (9 hours flight time) but overflies on the 1stand 2nd legs (6:01 total flight time) may not depart on the 3rd 3-hour leg.NOTE: If a pilot is assigned an FDP consisting of both augmented and un-augmented flying, the mostrestrictive rules 3

FAR Part 117 Essentials for AA Pilots Introduction On January 4, 2014, new Flight Time and Duty Time regulations (FAR Part 117) will take effect. Without a doubt, these rules are far more complex than those to which we are accustomed. However, they represent a significant leap forward in terms of applying