What is required of a commercial pilot concerning free days of duty?

The correct choice regarding the requirements for free days of duty for a commercial pilot is that they must have 2 consecutive free days in a 30-day period. This regulation aims to ensure that pilots receive sufficient rest to maintain their performance and safety standards.

Rest periods are critical in the aviation industry as they help prevent fatigue, which can significantly impact a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft safely. By mandating two consecutive free days within a 30-day timeframe, the regulation acknowledges the need for uninterrupted rest, allowing pilots to recover from the demands of their duties.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the established regulations concerning duty time and rest periods. For example, while multiple free days within a shorter period may seem reasonable, they could lead to less effective rest management over a more extended timeframe, failing to address the cumulative fatigue that can build up during operations. Thus, the structure of having a clear requirement for rest days reinforces safety in commercial aviation operations.