How many hours per day can skydive pilot fly?

slough

Well-Known Member
I tried to look it up but am having trouble nailing down, I know an instructor is only allowed 8 flight hours per day, I am wondering if a jump pilot is bound by the same regs?
 
I cannot think of any regulatory requirement that would limit the pilot's time unless the operation is somehow functioning under a Part 135 certificate.

Of course, common sense and good judgment will tell you there is a limit to how far you should push yourself. Being a jump pilot is a stressful job and you work at it every minute, so limiting your day is prudent and wise.
 
Thanks. Yeah I cannot find a reg on it either.

Mod Note: Sorry if this thread is in the wrong spot. I was thinking this forum was for commercial pilot operations, not remembering it was limited to airline pilots.
 
if your being compensated for the flights that i would think 8 hours of flight time in a day.
 
There is no maximum flight time for pt 91 operations.

I once flew 9.6 carrying jumpers a almost had to be carried from the plane to my bunk. Clearly that wasn't a great idea.
 
There's no limit. I fly jumpers and flight instruct at the same airport. The flight school owner called the AOPA rep for me because they were worried that if I flew 10 hours skydiving then did a lesson with a student, we would both be breaking the regs. The rep said there's absolutely no limit, and the flying I do with jumpers does not count towards the 8 hours. Supposedly the only way there's an 8 hour limit is if you own the jump plane. Makes absolutely no sense but whatever.
 
I've been in the plane from 7:30 AM to 7:45 PM, flying somewhere near 30 loads, with my only break being a run to the porta potty while hot fueling. I could barely see straight when I finally shut down, but hey, it was legal!
 
What about required inspections on the jump plane? The ones I can think of are Annual/100 hr, elt(12months), and transponder(24months). I think thats it anyone think of anymore?
 
if your being compensated for the flights that i would think 8 hours of flight time in a day.

That's very funny indeed.

Note that if your fatigue contributes to an accident or incident or deviation, you could be cited for careless or reckless operation, but there's no direct limitation on Part 91 flight operations of this and other ilks.
 
What about required inspections on the jump plane? The ones I can think of are Annual/100 hr, elt(12months), and transponder(24months). I think thats it anyone think of anymore?

Sounds like somebody got a job as a jump pilot lol

There are no additional inspections on jump planes other than what the regs require for a plane that's used for hire.
 
29? Holly cow man... I had to do 20 a few weeks ago and let me tell you, I hated myself, my life, and the airplane at the end of the day haha
Up here its feast or famine. we do 20+ on the good days since we get weathered out so much. Gotta make hay while the sun shines.
 
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