There was one part of the QF1 accident that is relevant to this discussion. The PIC had put a full day in the office prior to operating QF1. His duty hours were well over the limit but at that time "office duty" was not considered to be a part of operational duty even though there was no basis for that. Even the CAO 48 exemption now defines duty as all duties associated with the pilots employment, or words to that effect.
As a matter of interest Iron Bar, the reasons I have been given as to why my interpretation of the differences between roster limits and duty limits(I agree with your interpretation BTW) is wrong is:
- Thats the way its always been done
- So if you are doing a 4 hour duty you can only be extended to 6 hours!
- Thats how it was done at Ansett