Extended Twin Operations or ETOPS is an aircraft type rating essential for long distance flight. ETOPS is a rating which clarifies the distance an airliner can be from the nearest airport at any given time. As the name implies, this rating only applies to twin engine aircraft such as almost every modern day airliner!
ETOPS Explained
According to the FAA, ETOPS is defined as the following:
An airplane flight operation during which a portion of the flight is conducted beyond 60 minutes from an adequate airport for turbine-engine-powered airplanes with two engines, and beyond 180 minutes for turbine-engine-powered passenger-carrying airplanes with more than two engines. This distance is determined using an approved one-engine inoperative cruise speed under standard atmospheric conditions in still air.
The regulation is basically a safety margin in case an engine fails mid flight. If an engine fails, the aircraft must be able to fly for a certain amount of time on a single engine. Additionally, the planned route may not place the aircraft more than 60 minutes from the nearest adequate divert airfield.
Why ETOPS Matters
The regulation matters because it potentially limits the number of routes an aircraft can be used for. ETOPS was in the news this week thanks to a recent announcement from Norwegian Air. Norwegian Air just launched several $69 flights from EU to the US which will use the new 737-MAX. Because of the regulations, initial flights must fly farther to remain within compliance. The longer distance, to remain closer to divert fields, will increase the initial flight time to the US by 30 minutes. The below image is an example of ETOPS in effect.
Eventually, Norwegian Air will apply for and receive permission to fly ETOPS-120 or 180 meaning the 737-MAX can fly up to 120/180 minutes from a divert field. Luckily, almost all Atlantic tracks are covered by ETOPS-120. Once Norwegian receives the extension, flight times should be reduced by at least 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
ETOPS is one of those little regulations almost no traveler considers when flying from A-B, but plays a huge role in the politics of modern day aviation. As airline reliability improves, extensions of up to 240 minutes are permitted making the longest flights in the world possible. Interestingly, prior to this regulation the FAA required airliners to have 3 engines just in case one failed mid-flight. Hence, the MD-11’s design.
Featured Image Courtesy of AirlineReporter
Also H/T to BoardingArea.com for bringing this regulation to my attention.
