Argentina enacts new regulation for civil aviation crew duty and rest limits
Flight and rest times in Argentina: Decree sets 1,000-hour annual cap for pilots and introduces FRMS option for operators.
On June 4, 2025, the Argentine government formalized a new regulation governing maximum flight times, duty periods, and minimum rest for commercial civil aviation crews through Decree 378/2025, published in the Official Gazette. This measure repeals Decree No. 877/2021 and forms part of a broader deregulation process in the aviation sector.
Outlined in Annex I (IF-2025-59094296-APN-SSTA#MEC), the new regulation aims to align Argentina’s standards with those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), specifically Annex 6, and to “ensure compliance with the highest standards of operational safety.”
The decree criticizes previous regulations for being politically influenced rather than strictly technical. It asserts a new approach granting operators “full freedom to set their own flight times, duty periods, and rest periods,” within permissible limits and without compromising safety.
The rules apply to all commercial passenger air carriers operating in Argentina, both domestic and international, including foreign carriers conducting domestic (cabotage) flights. Cargo airlines may choose to adopt the new framework voluntarily.
A major update: Optional FRMS programs
Operators are now responsible for scheduling crew duty and rest in compliance with the new regulation. A key innovation is the option for carriers to develop and implement their own Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS)—to be submitted via sworn declaration to the enforcement authority. The FRMS must demonstrate a safety level equal to or higher than the prescriptive standard. Carriers not opting for a custom FRMS must adhere to the decree's fixed limits.
Key flight and duty time limits
Flight crews on scheduled air transport services are limited to 1,000 hours of flight time per calendar year and 120 hours per calendar month.
Maximum flight time for a basic crew ranges from 8 to 9 hours, depending on the time of reporting for duty.
Augmented crews (with relief pilots) may fly up to 13 hours with three pilots and 17 hours with four pilots. These limits may be extended with suitable in-flight rest facilities.
Duty period limits vary based on start time and number of flight segments, starting at 9 hours and extending up to 14 hours for basic crews under certain conditions. For augmented operations, duty periods may reach up to 19 hours, depending on rest facilities and crew size.
✈️ Activity and rest times: What you need to know
What is an FRMS? A Fatigue Risk Management System is a proactive method airlines use to manage crew fatigue using scientific data, as an alternative to prescriptive rules.
What is the minimum rest for pilots? It must equal the duration of the prior duty period, never less than 10 consecutive hours. Additionally, pilots must receive at least 30 hours of rest every 168 consecutive hours.
What about cabin crew? Their maximum duty time is 14 hours, extendable to 16 or 18 hours with additional crew. Minimum rest is also 10 consecutive hours.
And non-scheduled flights? Different limits apply—for example, 1,400 flight hours per year for pilots.
The regulation requires that rest periods allow crews to acclimate to local time before their next duty. For flights crossing more than 60 degrees of longitude, operators must provide compensatory rest. Each pilot is also entitled to a minimum of 15 consecutive days of vacation per year.
Exceptions and implementation timeline
The decree allows for exceptions in unforeseen operational circumstances, medical emergencies, disaster relief, or national defense missions. These may extend limits by up to 20% in a 24-hour period and up to 10% over a calendar month. In such cases, the aircraft commander must file a report.
The National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) is tasked with updating the technical regulations to align with this new legal framework. The regulation will take effect 30 calendar days after its publication—on July 4, 2025.
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