Originally Posted by
phkc070408
Don't hold me to this, but I believe the pilots contract gives them a window where they are permitted to decline a flight before the FAA mandates the crew not rested. I don't know the details behind it though or how many hours it is.
Hypothetical Example: Pilots have 4 hours legal work time, but have the option to walk off while one hour legal.
Expected flight time is 2'55" - Crew must take the flight
Expected flight time is 3'30" - Crew has the option to take the flight or walk off
Expected flight time is 4'05" - Crew must not take the flight
This is completely incorrect.
There are no contractual "windows" built in for pilots to have the option to decline a flight. Quite the opposite, in some situations pilots may extend their duty to the maximum FAA Part 117 duty day limits. This situation happens on international weather diversions.