The Other Eight-Hour Rule

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established regulations concerning the maximum flight hours that commercial flight instructors (CFIs) are permitted to operate daily. Specifically, CFIs are limited to flying for eight hours each calendar day. This regulation applies regardless of whether the instructor is operating a single aircraft or multiple aircraft during their workday. The FAA’s intent behind this rule is to ensure pilot well-being and maintain operational safety standards within the industry. These limitations have been in place since January 1, 2024, impacting CFI operations nationwide.