Some others here may be better 117 experts but here is my understanding.... The duty limits for 117 is based on how your trip is built, and does not consider your commute. Example: You live in XYZ and commute to EWR and they schedule you for an IOE trip out of EWR. The only thing considered for duty time is your duty on time in EWR which is 1 hr prior to departure for the first flight of the trip... There is a difference however between commuting to your base and the company deadheading you to another base. Example: You are based and live in DCA. The company decided to send you to EWR for IOE. That trip would be built with a deadhead to EWR. Now your duty time begins when you duty on in DCA prior to your deadhead. Even though it is basically the same thing as commuting to your base, the FAA views it differently than a commute.... However there is also a catch-all caviat to 117. You are required to certify that you are fit for duty prior to starting a trip. So even if it is legal for you to commute on a red-eye to start a 12 hour duty day the next morning, you have to certify that you are rested and fit for duty. Just something to think about.... Sorry for the long-winded response but to answer your question yes you can commute in early to start an afternoon trip.... Also for IOE you are eligible for positive space travel so make sure to use it if you need it. Just book your flight the same way you did on days off for training and call/email the IOE desk to have it authorized.