Why is it that very experienced pilots are not able to find a clear answer to this?
Why do we regularly get debates about whether rules apply and if they do apply, how should they be applied?
How on earth do Authorities expect pilots to comply with rules if they aren't sure what the rules are.
Clarity and KISS.
I Agree! Just as an an (old but still valid) example:
ANO Cap 393 "This Amendment principally contains changes to the Air Navigation Order arising from the EASA Aircrew Regulation" dated 10th August 2012:
UK ANO (CAP393) Article 79 Sub Para (5) - For the purposes of this article, a helicopter is in flight from the moment the helicopter first moves under its own power for the purpose of taking off until the rotors are next stopped.
from EASA PART-FCL AMC page 22):
(g) Flight time is recorded:
(1) for aeroplanes, touring motor gliders and powered-lift aircraft, from the moment an aircraft first moves to taking off until the moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight;
(2) for helicopters, from the moment a helicopter’s rotor blades start turning until the moment the helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and the rotor blades are stopped;
So which is it?
