If you read carefully in those regs, you will notice 3 different sets of rules. Sub parts Q, F, S.
I have always flown under subpart S which deals with supplemental flying. I.E. Non-scheduled operations, even though we have scheduled flying. We are not subjected to the domestic rules when operating outside the 48 contiguous United States.
That means International rules and that means NO duty time, I say again, NO duty time!! We can't be scheduled for more than 12 hours of revunue flying in a 24 hour period, but if we break it, we get 16 hours off, maybe 18. So, lets say the company wants you to fly 12 hours revenue and then ferry it back the same 12 hours right away, its perfectly legal. Safe, hell no, but legal, yes!
We cannot be scheduled more than 20 hours flying in a 48 hour period, or exceed 24 in 72, but if we exceed it, we get 18 hours off. Thats revenue flying! remember, part 91 ferries are legal.
These rules are why the unions have had to step in and take action! Fed EX pilots union has implemented many of the same duty and flight time restrictions as the EU. They have the power to do so because they have some real barganing power with their company. Many small operators don't have the same bargaining as the big companies.
In a rolling 30 day period; can't exceed 100 hours domestic, 120 intl. Can't exceed 300 hours in 90 days, or 1000 hours in a calender year!