What is the longest time an international 747 crew can work ?
At what time does their time clock start ticking ? When they show up at the aerodrome, when they start loading passengers or when the plane pushes back? On Jan 21, 2007 some friends were travelling SFO-SYD on 863. An initial announcement was made that there would be a delay for the IAD, ORD & DEN connecting passengers. Boarding was delayed to about 23.00
The connecting pax arrived about 23.30. The aeroplane taxied out about 50 metres and there was a problem with the tug / nose wheel.
The captain promised favourable flying conditions and they would certainly be making up some time en-route.
Take off was delayed until 1.50am some three & a half hours after the scheduled depature. Arrival in Sydney was at 10am some two hours late.

With full flights ex LAX & SFO I appreciate UAL was keen to operate the flight but at what point is it over time limits for the crew?

My friends were most appreciative that the crew did not call it a night and delay them a day getting to Sydney.