Originally Posted by
SEPfield
Another thing to consider for those unfamiliar with Emirates operations.
This was a turn around flight that was scheduled to leave DXB at 0250, which means a pick up time from home at 0035. I haven't seen the flight plan but I can almost guarantee the flights were scheduled for more than 8hrs of block time in a 10+hour FDP. This operation wouldn't be legal under FAR117 and most likely wasn't legal under GCAA regulations. This is where Emirates applies their special "variations" which essentially allows them to "legally" extend you before the trip even begins. Emirates flies many of these types of flights.
It was a layover, however I've done this as a turnaround years ago on a narrow body floating along at .76 and we weren't even close to 8 hours block. A triple cruising a conservative .83 even less, with the only x-factor being DXB holding at peak arrival hours. While some variations are indeed questionable, this particular flight is bread and butter ME flying.