ok thanks for your input. Yeah it's a bit of a funny rule I agree, If a pilot is ensuring the safe outcome of the flight and is technically and operationally the PIC then why shouldn't they be entitled to use that PIC time towards an ATPL!
the rule is here:
http://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/Rule......solidation.pdf
61.31 (j)
It does however only apply if the aeroplane is a single pilot required aircraft, so I suppose the reasoning is that the PIC sits back and watches while the trainee fights the leans and the turbulence and does all the work... in reality though the trainee needs constant help, hence "under supervision"...
Anyway, so no one knows of any rules of similar kind in Oz it seems..?
I couldn't find any in all the law texts.