ETOPS

Question 1

What is the ETOPS entry point?

Answer 1

Point en-route at which the aircraft exceeds 420 nm from the closest adequate airport.

Question 2

How is the ETOPS critical fuel scenario defined?

Answer 2

1. Descent to required diversion level.
2. Cruise at diversion speed.
3. Normal descent to 1500 ft above the diversion airport.
4. 15 mins holding.
5. First approach and missed approach as an instrument procedure.
6. Second approach and landing as a visual circuit.

Question 3

What are the three seperate failure cases considered for ETOPS?

Answer 3

1. Engine failure.
2. Depressurisation.
3. Depressurisation and Engine failure.

Question 4

What requirements are there for an adequate airfield?

Answer 4

• Runway long enough to safely bring an aircraft to a stop, clearing all obstacles in the approach path.
• Available if required.
• Equipped with the necessary auxiliary services such as ATC, lighting, communication, meteorological services, navigation and approach aids and RFF.

Question 5

What conditions must be met for an adequate airport to be deemed a suitable airport?

Answer 5

One hour before and after earliest/latest time of use.

1. En-route weather planning minima met, in terms of ceiling and visibility minima.
2. Crosswind component, including gusts, within limitations.
3. Runway condition ensure a safe landing can be conducted.

Question 6

Where can the ETOPS En-route Alternate Weather Planning Minima be found?

Answer 6

OM-A 8.5.6.1

Question 7

Which minimas are applicable after dispatch at en-route alternates?

Answer 7

Published landing minimas.

Question 8

What should be done if selected alternate weather deterioate below landing minima?

Answer 8

Another alternate should be nominated. If not possible, flight should not enter ETOPS segment. If already in the ETOPS segment, the Commander should decide whether to continue or re-route on a non-ETOPS route.

Question 9

What must be checked in the Tech Log before an ETOPS flight?

Answer 9

That ETOPS SUPPL has been signed off for the correct time period.

Question 10

When is a re-routing or diversion required during ETOPS flights?

Answer 10

• Failures occur requiring diversion to nearest suitable airport.
• Failures occur requiring non-ETOPS routing.
• Failures resulting in excessive fuel consumption.
• Suitable airports become unsuitable for any reason.

Question 11

What is the ETOPS Flight Watch?

Answer 11

Flight Dispatch maintains a flight watch for ETOPS flights. The flight watch personnel monitor:

a. Weather forecasts and reports for ETOPS en-route alternates.
b. En-route weather forecasts and sigmets.
c. Any alteration to the status of en-route alternate facilities.

Question 12

Where can the EK approved ETOPS area of operation be found?

Answer 12

In the Operations Specifications.

Question 13

What are the ETOPS orientation charts for?

Answer 13

For the crews to confirm that the planned route is within 840 or 1260 nm arcs.

Question 14

What is the master reference document for ETOPS flight planning?

Answer 14

The OFP.

Question 15

What is the Critical ETP?

Answer 15

Critical ETP is the ETP exhibiting the lowest fuel surplus or highest fuel deficit.

Question 16

If the ETOPS sector is only covered by one suitable airport, what will the critical fuel be based on? Which is usually more limiting?

Answer 16

ENTRY or EXIT. EXIT is usually more limiting.

Question 17

When must the flight crew ensure the dispatcher’s enroute alternates are suitable?

Answer 17

During pre-flight planning.