for EK'ers:
Annex 7.C.1 - ULR Operational Plan
para a; A pairing is categorised as an Ultra Long Range (ULR) Operation when the scheduled flight time
could exceed 14 hours taking into account the mean and seasonal wind changes.
IMHO JFK/IAD are ULR. Probably BOS as well. Makes sense for the company as the FDP is longer.
para g;
A 3 man crew operation is not permitted for any ULR sector with a scheduled Flight Time in excess of 15 hours.
IMHO, a 3 man ULR crew is legal from the UAE to the North Eastern USA.
Based on para g, it can be argued that a 3 man crew would/should have an FDP limit of 16 hours.
Doing the maths, EK201 in May has a Westbound block of 13:45. 1 hour pre-flight start of duty means a rostered FDP of 14:45. Therefore, any delay of more than 1:15 takes you over the 16 hours FDP.
However, 7.15; A Commander may exercise his discretion to extend an FDP…. this may be up to 3 hours prior to the start of a single sector flight…
Therefore, it could be argued you can do upto 19 hours FDP.
Additionally; 7.C.7 Contingency Provisions - Operational disruption
7.C.7 - c.2 Refers to return operations to DXB but the company acknowledges there is an increased workload with 3 crew.
7.C.7 - c.3 Again refers to return operations - Dispatch is not permitted with an aircraft system unserviceability that would require a higher than normal workload on behalf of the remaining flight crew during approach and landing. Be careful what you take down route.
7.C.7 - c.4 Return operations - Any flight dispatched with only 3 flight crew shall be limited to a maximum Flight Time of 15 hours
I'm not advocating any particular action. Just thought the above may be of interest. Take care out there!