What action must be taken if an aircraft's flight crew exceeds the allowed duty hours?

When an aircraft's flight crew exceeds the allowed duty hours, the required action is for them to rest before flying again. This is critical for ensuring the safety of the flight and its passengers. Flight crew members are subject to regulations that limit their duty hours to prevent fatigue, which can impair their performance and decision-making abilities. The regulations are designed to promote safety within the aviation industry by ensuring that pilots and crew members are well-rested and fit to operate an aircraft.

Allowing the crew to rest before their next flight is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a matter of safety management in aviation operations. Adequate rest helps to mitigate the risks associated with pilot fatigue, which has been linked to numerous aviation incidents and accidents.

Reassigning the crew to another flight or rescheduling an existing flight without compliance to rest regulations would not address the underlying issue of crew fatigue. Accepting lower responsibility does not solve the problem, as it could lead to compromising safety standards. Therefore, ensuring that the crew rests is the correct and safest course of action when duty hour limits are exceeded.