FAA Publishes Final Rule on Extended Operations (ETOPS) of Multi-Engine Airplanes
Carriers have long awaited an update to the regulations governing long-range flights that would allow more direct routing and significant savings in fuel and flight times. The FAA recently adopted new regulations for Extended Operations (ETOPS) of Multi-Engine Airplanes. These rules allow trans-oceanic and trans-polar flights to range farther from alternate airports along their flight paths. Provided they meet stringent requirements for airplane systems, operations and maintenance procedures, alternate airport facilities, and overall flight safety, carriers now may fly the direct path from virtually any point on the globe to another when the path traverses remote areas. (The full text of the Final Rule on ETOPS is printed in the 1/16/07 Federal Register.)
Last Modified: 6/7/2008