Checkboard,
Mandatory rules do apply.... but not to instructors... unless you do a trial lesson (perhaps). The issue is clouded. Big schools lay down a policy, usually the same as the legal limit for commercial pilots, but I think this is just to bluff sponsors,students and of course the CAA. Its worse with small outfits, but its a while since I've worked with either. My aquaintance who works for the very big school in UK has worked really stupid duty hours but flown relatively little due to lack of a/c or students. He/She is paid less than I was 10 years ago for the same job.
[This message has been edited by capt beeky (edited 18 June 1999).]