What is the minimum crew rest requirement before a Flight Duty day?

The minimum crew rest requirement before a Flight Duty day is 12 non-duty hours. This standard is established to ensure that flight crews are adequately rested before undertaking flight operations. Adequate rest is critical for maintaining alertness, cognitive function, and overall safety during flight. The regulation reflects an understanding of how fatigue can impair a crew member's performance, which is why a minimum of 12 hours is mandated.

This requirement typically includes the time needed for a crew member to travel from their last duty location to their rest quarters and allows enough time for undisturbed sleep and personal time, which contributes to overall wellness and readiness for duty. Understanding the importance of this rest period is essential for safe aviation operations.