EASA Flight Time Limitations: The Basics and How They Differ from FAA Part 117

Airlines in the European Union and EASA member states follow Subpart FTL of Part-ORO, which is part of Regulation (EU) 965/2012. It sets limits on duty, flight time and rest. The structure is different from the US rules, so figures from one regime cannot be used for the other.

Daily flight duty period (FDP)

The basic maximum daily FDP for acclimatised crew depends on the start time and the number of sectors flown. For an FDP starting between 0600 and 1329, the limit is 13 hours for one or two sectors. It then falls by 30 minutes for each extra sector: 12:30 for three, 12:00 for four, 11:30 for five, 11:00 for six, 10:30 for seven, 10:00 for eight, 9:30 for nine and 9:00 for ten sectors. Other start times have different, generally lower, limits. Check the full table in ORO.FTL.205(b).

Extensions

• Without in-flight rest, the maximum daily FDP may be extended by up to one hour, and not more than twice in any seven consecutive days.
• A total extension may not exceed two hours, or three hours if the flight crew is augmented.
• Extending the FDP with in-flight rest has its own conditions, including a limit of three sectors and minimum standards for the rest facility.

Cumulative limits

• 60 duty hours in any 7 consecutive days.
• 110 duty hours in any 14 consecutive days.
• 190 duty hours in any 28 consecutive days, spread as evenly as practicable.
• 100 hours of flight time in any 28 consecutive days.

How it differs from FAA Part 117

• The EASA daily limit is set by the start time and sectors, in a table for acclimatised crews, with separate rules for crews of unknown acclimatisation. Part 117 uses Tables B and C by start time and segments.
• For a morning start with one or two flight segments, the basic limit is 13 hours under EASA's table and 14 hours under Part 117's Table B for a start between 0700 and 1159 for a two-pilot crew.
• Part 117 sets flight time limits in the same rule as the duty periods. EASA sets duty and flight time limits over 7, 14 and 28 days.

This page gives an overview only. Several parts of the EASA rules, such as the full start-time table, in-flight rest extensions and minimum rest, are not covered. Use the regulation and your operator's approved scheme for real planning.

Open the crew duty limits calculator (faa part 117)

FAQ

Is the EASA limit the same as the FAA limit?

No. The two regimes use different tables, different definitions and different cumulative limits, so the same roster can be legal under one and not the other.

Where do I find the full EASA tables?

In Subpart FTL of Part-ORO, ORO.FTL.205 to ORO.FTL.235, in EASA's Easy Access Rules for Air Operations.

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For training and reference only. Check official sources before any real flight.