Commercial Aircraft Certification for ETOPS Operations

The ETOPS (Extended Range Operation with Two Engine Airplanes) certification is required for two engine airplanes which operate over a route that contains a point farther than one hour flying time at the normal one-engine inoperative cruise speed from an adequate airport. ETOPS regulations are applicable to routes over water as well as remote land areas.

This paper summarizes the ETOPS certification process for Commercial Aircraft, including the following topics:

• Brief ETOPS history;
• Scope and Applicability;
• Regulations and Guidelines Applicable for ETOPS Certification;
• Relevant Aircraft Manufacturer Activities;
• Aircraft Operator Responsibilities