ETOPS 330

[milehighj]

Just read on A.net they type approval has been given for ETOPS 330...

IMHO, risk management is risk management. Really not sure I'd like to be 330 mins or 5.5 hours from a suitable airport with just one working engine...

[CarbonMan]

A blanket approval for all twin-engines?!? I find that scary particularly for smaller twins like the older 737s.

[9V-JKL]

A blanket approval for all twin-engines?!? I find that scary particularly for smaller twins like the older 737s.

Isn't it only for 777s?

[milehighj]

A blanket approval for all twin-engines?!? I find that scary particularly for smaller twins like the older 737s.

Isn't it only for 777s?

No it's only for GE-powered 777s, and I believe still subject to further approval according to carrier?

[stargold]

In reality, how often will they actually need/use it? I thought that existing ETOPS durations cover the majority of usage scenarios?

[9V-JKL]

No it's only for GE-powered 777s, and I believe still subject to further approval according to carrier?

Also the local air transport authorities.

In reality, how often will they actually need/use it? I thought that existing ETOPS durations cover the majority of usage scenarios?

I read on A.Net (how's that for a source) its like 98% of the globe. The ETOPS330 will cover the Southern Ocean and Southern Pacific 'holes'.

[CarbonMan]

I read on A.Net (how's that for a source) its like 98% of the globe. The ETOPS330 will cover the Southern Ocean and Southern Pacific 'holes'.

Hmmm ... the great circle map s/w says flying from say, PER to AEP through the Antarctica will still not be possible, but SYD to AEP is okay because of AKL.

[SQflyergirl]

I think it's only for 77W's and 77L's - not even all 777's.

[milehighj]

Boeing's 777 OK'd to fly 5 ½ hours from nearest airport

By Dominic Gates
Seattle Times aerospace reporter

Boeing said Monday its 777 twin-engined wide-body jet has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for extended operations (ETOPS) flights up to 330 minutes away from the nearest available airport.

The authorization can be useful to airlines flying across remote regions of the south Pacific, over the North Pole, and from Australia to South America and southern Africa. It allows qualifying airlines to fly more direct routes, reducing both fuel burn and travel time.

Previously, the furthest the jet was allowed to go from the nearest airport was 207 minutes. The ETOPS extension is introduced in two stages: Airlines must first operate the planes safely for a year at up to 240 minutes away from the nearest airport before they can move up to 330 minutes.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm..._boeing13.html

[milehighj]

I think it's only for 77W's and 77L's - not even all 777's.

The FAA approval applies to 777-300ER, -200LR, -200ER and 777 Freighters equipped with General Electric engines. Approval for 777-200ERs equipped with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney engines is expected in the coming months, Boeing said.

http://australianaviation.com.au/201...s-nod-for-777/

[milehighj]

A blanket approval for all twin-engines?!? I find that scary particularly for smaller twins like the older 737s.

Fortunately I don't think older 737s have the range to stay aloft for 11 hours...

[flying.monkeyz]

Really not sure I'd like to be 330 mins or 5.5 hours from a suitable airport with just one working engine...

You have to be really "suay" to have an engine failing right at the limit of ETOPS!!

Anyway ETOPS have been around for so long, are there any cases of engine failures at / close to the limit? I've not heard any myself but I stand corrected.