The FAA does not have any authority to limit a foreign carriers (re. regulating authority) access to the US. It can only deem the regulatory authority (GCAA) a CAT 1, CAT 2 or worse. So, when a foreign carrier (EK, EY or any other) operating under a regulatory authority (GCAA) that has been downgraded to CAT 2 wants to increase their service, enter a new US market or whatever, the FAA can only recommend to the DOT (Department of Transportation) not to approve the increase in service. It is the DOT that is the final decision maker in foreign carrier access to the US. Does the DOT always follow the FAA's recommendations? Don't know. Would there be any politics involved such as the UAE allowing US military access to their waters, airspace etc? Now it goes a lot deeper than whether or not the FAA approves factoring or such. OTOH, the conflict of interest in the Sheik's involvement in EK AND the GCAA might have some interest.
Just some further info of flt time duty time regs. Any flight time over 8 hours 50+ per cent is required to always have a 3 crew augmentation. No relief until an audit has been accomplished. 12 hours? Always 4 crew. Jet Blue tried to do a transcon from east coast to west coast and back in one day with only two crew. They thought they had relief....bad ju ju. Cease the operation immediately. Only relates to aircraft with only 2 pilots.
Last edited by Panther 88; 8th Sep 2010 at 20:21.