What is the maximum duration assigned for most commercial flight duty periods?

The maximum duration for most commercial flight duty periods is set at 14 hours for combined operations, which varies depending on flight conditions. This regulation takes into account various factors, including the total number of duty hours, the time of day operations are conducted, and whether the operations are scheduled to include multiple segments or require flight crew to work during nighttime hours.

In practice, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and similar entities in other jurisdictions impose these limits to ensure that flight crews do not exceed safe operational limits, thus minimizing the risk of fatigue-related incidents. These regulations are carefully designed based on the understanding that different flight conditions, such as time zones crossed or the nature of the flight, can significantly affect crew performance.

The other choices fail to capture the nuances of flight duty regulations. For instance, the suggestion that it depends solely on the type of aircraft ignores the overarching regulatory framework that appropriately considers operational context. Likewise, stating 20 hours without breaks contradicts aviation safety standards that emphasize the necessity of rest and recuperation. Lastly, a maximum of 12 hours does not align with current standards that account for the complexities of modern aviation operations. Therefore, the 14-hour maximum is a balanced and well-regulated answer that reflects the realities of commercial flying