Which term defines the time period from the start of duty until release from duty?

• A. Duty Time
• B. Flight
• C. Ferry Flight
• D. Deadheading

Answer: (A)

Duty time is the period from when a crew member reports for duty until they are released from duty. It covers everything the crew does while on duty, including preflight planning, aircraft checks, boarding, taxi, flight operations, and post-flight tasks or delays. This differs from flight time, which is only the time the aircraft is actually in the air. A ferry flight refers to a repositioning flight with no revenue service, and deadheading is when a crew member travels as a passenger to reach or return from a duty assignment. Understanding duty time helps with scheduling, rest requirements, and regulatory compliance because it marks the full span the crew is responsible and on duty.