Merlin III
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 5012; Flight Crew Type 180
Confusion; Fatigue; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related; Company Policy
I was instructed by my air carrier that I required an extended rest period of 10 hours. The following morning I was told by my air carrier that the decision to extend my rest time from 9 to 10 hours was a company made error. I was told our customer was upset by the company's decision to delay the flight; and the extended rest period was not necessary. Though I questioned this statement; Operations carefully explained the reasoning of why I only needed 9 hours off duty instead of the extended 10 hours off duty. I was instructed by the AM Operations Manager for my air carrier to fly the aircraft at the scheduled departure time; and I was assured that I was within duty time limitations. After arriving to the outstation and unloading all the cargo; I was informed by my air carrier that I should have received an extended rest period of 10 hours. I have been a pilot for nearly fourteen years; and I have never fallen into a situation of this nature. I feel the company used me to move the cargo; with total disregard to safety and regulations. I realize I should have had a better handle on whether I needed nine or ten hours of rest prior to the flight; but I put my trust in my air carrier. Factors that contributed to this were lack of sleep; pressure from my air carrier; and pressure from our freight customer. In order to correct potential duty time violations; I would recommend the Part 135 airlines take a larger responsibility.
A Metroliner pilot was told he needed 10 hours rest but that was changed back to 9 hours so he flew the assigned trip and was told after arrival that 10 hours was legally required. The Company wanted to move the freight at any cost to satisfy the customer.