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Minimum time off required under 14 CFR part 121, § 121.377

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 16 of 16 on Human Factors. ACS element AM.I.L.R1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAs stated in the Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook discussion of fatigue, what is the minimum time off that 14 CFR part 121, § 121.377, requires during a week of work?

  1. A36 hours off during each week of work
  2. B24 hours off during a week of work
  3. C48 hours off during a week of night work
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 24 hours off during a week of work

  • A — incorrect The regulation cited in the handbook sets the figure at 24 hours, not 36.
  • B — correct The handbook states that 14 CFR part 121, section 377, only requires 24 hours time off during a week of work.
  • C — incorrect No separate, longer requirement for night work is given; the single stated figure is 24 hours.

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is one of the twelve human factors, the "Dirty Dozen," that contribute to maintenance errors and accidents. Because fleet aircraft fly during the day to generate revenue, most airline maintenance is performed at night, so shift work is the norm for an aviation maintenance technician (AMT). The handbook points out that Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, section 377, only requires 24 hours of time off during a week of work. It then says plainly that this is obviously not enough, so companies and technicians must regulate shift work and time off themselves to reduce the potential for errors. Above all, each technician must monitor and control their own sleep habits to avoid fatigue.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the pairing of the rule number with its figure: § 121.377 and 24 hours off per week of work. Remember the handbook's point that the regulatory minimum is a floor, not a fatigue management plan.

KEY POINTS

  • 14 CFR part 121, § 121.377, requires only 24 hours off during a week of work.
  • The handbook calls that minimum insufficient, leaving companies and technicians to manage shift work and time off.
  • Each technician is personally responsible for monitoring and controlling sleep habits to avoid fatigue.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch14 "Fatigue"
  • 14 CFR 121.377 (as cited in FAA-H-8083-30B ch14)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.