Originally Posted by
Ixixly
you'd be a brave person in this particular case to go out with 3 POB knowing a delegate has said otherwise
I don't think anyone is suggesting they were told that before the flight. If someone wants to prosecute them they really will have to find a regulation that says it's not allowed, and no-one has quoted one yet.
This thread is an illustration of the problems with Australian aviation regulation - everyone operates on a consensus of what they think the rules should be not what they actually say. If you want to refer to the actual regulations you are viewed as a troublemaker.
I have had a few dealings with the Australian Tax Office in the past where I have asked whether particular things are allowed. Without fail, their reply has included references to supporting legislation or rulings. If only our aviation authorities worked the same way.