AFTLS - be careful
I am amazed at how many operations are being conducted that are on the edge of the AFTLS limits.
EG, a pilot operated to NA - about 5-6hrs into his hotel rest CC rang him and asked would he work in about 6 more hours to get a flight back to hkg. He asked if that was legal and CC assured him it was....it wasn't!
Simple rule - if you are on the end of an ULR, you need Physiological rest - this can be reduced to Normal rest. Normal rest is 12hrs or previous duty period, whichever is GREATER. So for a LA that would mean about 13:40. Once you have foregone Physiological rest for Normal rest you cannot exercise para 25(reduction of rest period) to get the "10 hrs in the room".
I have spoken to a few guys who were called out to do ULRs and then on return to base IMMEDIATELY go on Reserve for the remaining 2-3 days of the reserve pattern. This is legal(just), but the beginning of a slippery slide of reduced safety. Mind you, the mathematician still argues that the rule limiting time zone crossing to 12hrs is redundant as nowhere on earth is more than 12 time zones away from HKG!!! What's that Copernicus, HKG is the centre of the universe????
Be careful with the rules guys/gals...CC has a high turnover and may make errors. Ultimately it is your responsibility to be legal!