The scenario, regarding the discussion with the colleague, was:
- Take Off from an airport with no assistance by maintenance, 50 min flight time to destination that is our home base (the only one along the route and with full maintenance assistance etc.) which offers 3 long runways. Weather is excellent everywhere and no mountains are there to make you concern about them.
- Fuel is 100-200 Kg more than minimum; anyway, not enough to reach the destination if flying with flaps extended at low flight levels.
- Plenty of suitable airports along the route.
I'd say that you are legally authorized to break the rules in the event of an emergency.
That's right but in this case we have to first clarify if "breaking" the 20000 feet limit is legal or not!