FAA Seeks Comments on Pilot Flight Time Tracking
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA wants to keep collecting info from airlines about when pilots fly or work longer than allowed and why. This helps spot patterns that could cause safety issues and supports pilot fatigue training. Airlines must keep reporting this, and the public can comment until July 31, 2026—no big cost changes, just keeping safety sharp!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Airlines Must Report Duty Exceedances
If an airline operating under 14 CFR part 121 exceeds a maximum daily flight time or flight duty period, the carrier must submit a report to the FAA with scheduled and actual times, city pairs, departure times, flight number, and the reason for the exceedance. The collection applies to 52 air carriers, has an estimated average burden of 12 hours per response, and an estimated total annual burden of 30,954 hours.
Data Collection for FRMS Adoption
If an air carrier chooses to develop a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) under Sec. 117.7, the carrier must collect data specific to its operations and report related activities to the FAA. Adopting an FRMS results in annual recordkeeping and reporting burden that the carrier must submit to the FAA.
Training Program Revisions Required
Each air carrier must develop required fatigue-related elements and incorporate them into its training program under Sec. 117.9, then submit the revised training program to the FAA for approval. This imposes development and submission obligations on carriers and affects training for flightcrew members.
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