How many hours per year of duty involving flying crewmen are required?

The correct answer is 48 hours/year for flying crewmen duty. This requirement is established to ensure that aircrew members maintain a level of proficiency and readiness in their flying skills. By engaging in a minimum of 48 hours of flying duty annually, crew members can stay current with their operational procedures, flight maneuvers, and emergency protocols. This hands-on experience is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in flight operations, as well as for ensuring that crew members are prepared to respond effectively under various scenarios that may arise during missions.

The stipulation of these hours also supports mission readiness and allows for sufficient exposure to the aircraft systems, contributing to better performance and teamwork during actual missions. Regular flying hours reinforce training objectives and help in reducing skill degradation over time, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of the aircrew.