So, someone tell me...
just how does the 'augmenting crew, augment' (add)...
to the operation?
I hope this helps to understand augmented crew in a more simpler way.
Augmenting crew:
Long haul sectors two man crew over 7 hours:-
When a flight is scheduled for more than more than say 7 hours with two man crew, a multi sector table is used which all depends on the sign on to duty time. This may mean that a single sector for two man crew showed a duty of say 11:15, however, as the scheduled flight is over 7 hours, a multiple sector of 3 on the table used. This then reduces the two man operation to say 9:30, which would prevent a two man crew doing a 9:45 sector, THEREFORE, the Company arranges a 3rd pilot on the flight deck, which eliminates the clause of a two man operations and now the operation retains its original 11:15 operating AND NO ONE relieves NO ONE.
It is not requirement to relieve anyone. This 3rd pilot acts like and old flight engineer sitting sideways in a 3 man crew operation. If it is a first office being augmented, then he may relieve the F/O, but is is not a requirement. The captain will sit the entire flight without being relieved as it is not a requirement and visa versa if it was another captain being called out on the augmented crew.
In short, Augmented crew just relieves the table from being seen as a multiple entry and shortened duty, but no one is required to leave the cockpit for rest anywhere or at anytime.
In-flight relief is something different which is used to extend the 11:15 duty, thus by now resting the 3rd man in a bunk or cabin seat.