Appendix G to Part 135 - Extended Operations (ETOPS)
14:3.0.1.1.11.14.3.1.42 : Appendix G
Appendix G to Part 135 - Extended Operations (ETOPS)
G135.1 Definitions.
G135.1.1 Adequate Airport means an airport that an
airplane operator may list with approval from the FAA because that
airport meets the landing limitations of § 135.385 or is a military
airport that is active and operational.
G135.1.2 ETOPS Alternate Airport means an adequate
airport that is designated in a dispatch or flight release for use
in the event of a diversion during ETOPS. This definition applies
to flight planning and does not in any way limit the authority of
the pilot in command during flight.
G135.1.3 ETOPS Entry Point means the first point on the
route of an ETOPS flight, determined using a one-engine inoperative
cruise speed under standard conditions in still air, that is more
than 180 minutes from an adequate airport.
G135.1.4 ETOPS Qualified Person means a person,
performing maintenance for the certificate holder, who has
satisfactorily completed the certificate holder's ETOPS training
program.
G135.2 Requirements.
G135.2.1 General. After August 13, 2008, no certificate
holder may operate an airplane, other than an all-cargo airplane
with more than two engines, outside the continental United States
more than 180 minutes flying time (at the one-engine-inoperative
cruise speed under standard conditions in still air) from an
airport described in § 135.364 unless -
(a) The certificate holder receives ETOPS approval from the
FAA;
(b) The operation is conducted in a multi-engine transport
category turbine-powered airplane;
(c) The operation is planned to be no more than 240 minutes
flying time (at the one engine inoperative cruise speed under
standard conditions in still air) from an airport described in §
135.364; and
(d) The certificate holder meets the requirements of this
appendix.
G135.2.2 Required certificate holder experience prior to
conducting ETOPS.
Before applying for ETOPS approval, the certificate holder must
have at least 12 months experience conducting international
operations (excluding Canada and Mexico) with multi-engine
transport category turbine-engine powered airplanes. The
certificate holder may consider the following experience as
international operations:
(a) Operations to or from the State of Hawaii.
(b) For certificate holders granted approval to operate under
part 135 or part 121 before February 15, 2007, up to 6 months of
domestic operating experience and operations in Canada and Mexico
in multi-engine transport category turbojet-powered airplanes may
be credited as part of the required 12 months of international
experience required by paragraph G135.2.2(a) of this appendix.
(c) ETOPS experience with other aircraft types to the extent
authorized by the FAA.
G135.2.3 Airplane requirements. No certificate holder may
conduct ETOPS in an airplane that was manufactured after February
17, 2015 unless the airplane meets the standards of § 25.1535.
G135.2.4 Crew information requirements. The certificate
holder must ensure that flight crews have in-flight access to
current weather and operational information needed to comply with §
135.83, § 135.225, and § 135.229. This includes information on all
ETOPS Alternate Airports, all destination alternates, and the
destination airport proposed for each ETOPS flight.
G135.2.5 Operational Requirements.
(a) No person may allow a flight to continue beyond its ETOPS
Entry Point unless -
(1) The weather conditions at each ETOPS Alternate Airport are
forecast to be at or above the operating minima in the certificate
holder's operations specifications for that airport when it might
be used (from the earliest to the latest possible landing time),
and
(3) All ETOPS Alternate Airports within the authorized ETOPS
maximum diversion time are reviewed for any changes in conditions
that have occurred since dispatch.
(b) In the event that an operator cannot comply with paragraph
G135.2.5(a)(1) of this appendix for a specific airport, another
ETOPS Alternate Airport must be substituted within the maximum
ETOPS diversion time that could be authorized for that flight with
weather conditions at or above operating minima.
(c) Pilots must plan and conduct ETOPS under instrument flight
rules.
(d) Time-Limited Systems. (1) Except as provided in
paragraph G135.2.5(d)(3) of this appendix, the time required to fly
the distance to each ETOPS Alternate Airport (at the
all-engines-operating cruise speed, corrected for wind and
temperature) may not exceed the time specified in the Airplane
Flight Manual for the airplane's most limiting fire suppression
system time required by regulation for any cargo or baggage
compartments (if installed), minus 15 minutes.
(2) Except as provided in G135.2.5(d)(3) of this appendix, the
time required to fly the distance to each ETOPS Alternate Airport
(at the approved one-engine-inoperative cruise speed, corrected for
wind and temperature) may not exceed the time specified in the
Airplane Flight Manual for the airplane's most time limited system
time (other than the airplane's most limiting fire suppression
system time required by regulation for any cargo or baggage
compartments), minus 15 minutes.
(3) A certificate holder operating an airplane without the
Airplane Flight Manual information needed to comply with paragraphs
G135.2.5(d)(1) and (d)(2) of this appendix, may continue ETOPS with
that airplane until February 17, 2015.
G135.2.6 Communications Requirements.
(a) No person may conduct an ETOPS flight unless the following
communications equipment, appropriate to the route to be flown, is
installed and operational:
(1) Two independent communication transmitters, at least one of
which allows voice communication.
(2) Two independent communication receivers, at least one of
which allows voice communication.
(3) Two headsets, or one headset and one speaker.
(b) In areas where voice communication facilities are not
available, or are of such poor quality that voice communication is
not possible, communication using an alternative system must be
substituted.
G135.2.7 Fuel Requirements. No person may dispatch or
release for flight an ETOPS flight unless, considering wind and
other weather conditions expected, it has the fuel otherwise
required by this part and enough fuel to satisfy each of the
following requirements:
(a) Fuel to fly to an ETOPS Alternate Airport. (1) Fuel
to account for rapid decompression and engine failure. The airplane
must carry the greater of the following amounts of fuel:
(i) Fuel sufficient to fly to an ETOPS Alternate Airport
assuming a rapid decompression at the most critical point followed
by descent to a safe altitude in compliance with the oxygen supply
requirements of § 135.157;
(ii) Fuel sufficient to fly to an ETOPS Alternate Airport (at
the one-engine-inoperative cruise speed under standard conditions
in still air) assuming a rapid decompression and a simultaneous
engine failure at the most critical point followed by descent to a
safe altitude in compliance with the oxygen requirements of §
135.157; or
(iii) Fuel sufficient to fly to an ETOPS Alternate Airport (at
the one-engine-inoperative cruise speed under standard conditions
in still air) assuming an engine failure at the most critical point
followed by descent to the one engine inoperative cruise
altitude.
(2) Fuel to account for errors in wind forecasting. In
calculating the amount of fuel required by paragraph G135.2.7(a)(1)
of this appendix, the certificate holder must increase the actual
forecast wind speed by 5% (resulting in an increase in headwind or
a decrease in tailwind) to account for any potential errors in wind
forecasting. If a certificate holder is not using the actual
forecast wind based on a wind model accepted by the FAA, the
airplane must carry additional fuel equal to 5% of the fuel
required by paragraph G135.2.7(a) of this appendix, as reserve fuel
to allow for errors in wind data.
(3) Fuel to account for icing. In calculating the amount of fuel
required by paragraph G135.2.7(a)(1) of this appendix, (after
completing the wind calculation in G135.2.7(a)(2) of this
appendix), the certificate holder must ensure that the airplane
carries the greater of the following amounts of fuel in
anticipation of possible icing during the diversion:
(i) Fuel that would be burned as a result of airframe icing
during 10 percent of the time icing is forecast (including the fuel
used by engine and wing anti-ice during this period).
(ii) Fuel that would be used for engine anti-ice, and if
appropriate wing anti-ice, for the entire time during which icing
is forecast.
(4) Fuel to account for engine deterioration. In calculating the
amount of fuel required by paragraph G135.2.7(a)(1) of this
appendix (after completing the wind calculation in paragraph
G135.2.7(a)(2) of this appendix), the certificate holder must
ensure the airplane also carries fuel equal to 5% of the fuel
specified above, to account for deterioration in cruise fuel burn
performance unless the certificate holder has a program to monitor
airplane in-service deterioration to cruise fuel burn
performance.
(b) Fuel to account for holding, approach, and landing.
In addition to the fuel required by paragraph G135.2.7 (a) of this
appendix, the airplane must carry fuel sufficient to hold at 1500
feet above field elevation for 15 minutes upon reaching the ETOPS
Alternate Airport and then conduct an instrument approach and
land.
(c) Fuel to account for APU use. If an APU is a required
power source, the certificate holder must account for its fuel
consumption during the appropriate phases of flight.
G135.2.8 Maintenance Program Requirements. In order to
conduct an ETOPS flight under § 135.364, each certificate holder
must develop and comply with the ETOPS maintenance program as
authorized in the certificate holder's operations specifications
for each two-engine airplane-engine combination used in ETOPS. This
provision does not apply to operations using an airplane with more
than two engines. The certificate holder must develop this ETOPS
maintenance program to supplement the maintenance program currently
approved for the operator. This ETOPS maintenance program must
include the following elements:
(a) ETOPS maintenance document. The certificate holder
must have an ETOPS maintenance document for use by each person
involved in ETOPS. The document must -
(1) List each ETOPS Significant System,
(2) Refer to or include all of the ETOPS maintenance elements in
this section,
(3) Refer to or include all supportive programs and
procedures,
(4) Refer to or include all duties and responsibilities, and
(5) Clearly state where referenced material is located in the
certificate holder's document system.
(b) ETOPS pre-departure service check. The certificate
holder must develop a pre-departure check tailored to their
specific operation.
(1) The certificate holder must complete a pre-departure service
check immediately before each ETOPS flight.
(2) At a minimum, this check must:
(i) Verify the condition of all ETOPS Significant Systems;
(ii) Verify the overall status of the airplane by reviewing
applicable maintenance records; and
(iii) Include an interior and exterior inspection to include a
determination of engine and APU oil levels and consumption
rates.
(3) An appropriately trained maintenance person, who is ETOPS
qualified must accomplish and certify by signature ETOPS specific
tasks. Before an ETOPS flight may commence, an ETOPS pre-departure
service check (PDSC) Signatory Person, who has been authorized by
the certificate holder, must certify by signature, that the ETOPS
PDSC has been completed.
(4) For the purposes of this paragraph (b) only, the following
definitions apply:
(i) ETOPS qualified person: A person is ETOPS qualified when
that person satisfactorily completes the operator's ETOPS training
program and is authorized by the certificate holder.
(ii) ETOPS PDSC Signatory Person: A person is an ETOPS PDSC
Signatory Person when that person is ETOPS Qualified and that
person:
(A) When certifying the completion of the ETOPS PDSC in the
United States:
(1) Works for an operator authorized to engage in part
135 or 121 operation or works for a part 145 repair station;
and
(2) Holds a U.S. Mechanic's Certificate with airframe and
powerplant ratings.
(B) When certifying the completion of the ETOPS PDSC outside of
the U.S. holds a certificate in accordance with § 43.17(c)(1) of
this chapter; or
(C) When certifying the completion of the ETOPS PDSC outside the
U.S. holds the certificates needed or has the requisite experience
or training to return aircraft to service on behalf of an ETOPS
maintenance entity.
(iii) ETOPS maintenance entity: An entity authorized to perform
ETOPS maintenance and complete ETOPS pre-departure service checks
and that entity is:
(A) Certificated to engage in part 135 or 121 operations;
(B) Repair station certificated under part 145 of this title;
or
(C) Entity authorized pursuant to § 43.17(c)(2) of this
chapter.
(c) Limitations on dual maintenance. (1) Except as
specified in paragraph G135.2.8(c)(2) of this appendix, the
certificate holder may not perform scheduled or unscheduled dual
maintenance during the same maintenance visit on the same or a
substantially similar ETOPS Significant System listed in the ETOPS
maintenance document, if the improper maintenance could result in
the failure of an ETOPS Significant System.
(2) In the event dual maintenance as defined in paragraph
G135.2.8(c)(1) of this appendix cannot be avoided, the certificate
holder may perform maintenance provided:
(i) The maintenance action on each affected ETOPS Significant
System is performed by a different technician, or
(ii) The maintenance action on each affected ETOPS Significant
System is performed by the same technician under the direct
supervision of a second qualified individual; and
(iii) For either paragraph G135.2.8(c)(2)(i) or (ii) of this
appendix, a qualified individual conducts a ground verification
test and any in-flight verification test required under the program
developed pursuant to paragraph G135.2.8(d) of this appendix.
(d) Verification program. The certificate holder must
develop a program for the resolution of discrepancies that will
ensure the effectiveness of maintenance actions taken on ETOPS
Significant Systems. The verification program must identify
potential problems and verify satisfactory corrective action. The
verification program must include ground verification and in-flight
verification policy and procedures. The certificate holder must
establish procedures to clearly indicate who is going to initiate
the verification action and what action is necessary. The
verification action may be performed on an ETOPS revenue flight
provided the verification action is documented as satisfactorily
completed upon reaching the ETOPS entry point.
(e) Task identification. The certificate holder must
identify all ETOPS-specific tasks. An ETOPS qualified person must
accomplish and certify by signature that the ETOPS-specific task
has been completed.
(f) Centralized maintenance control procedures. The
certificate holder must develop procedures for centralized
maintenance control for ETOPS.
(g) ETOPS parts control program. The certificate holder
must develop an ETOPS parts control program to ensure the proper
identification of parts used to maintain the configuration of
airplanes used in ETOPS.
(h) Enhanced Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System
(E-CASS) program. A certificate holder's existing CASS must be
enhanced to include all elements of the ETOPS maintenance program.
In addition to the reporting requirements of § 135.415 and §
135.417, the program includes reporting procedures, in the form
specified in § 135.415(e), for the following significant events
detrimental to ETOPS within 96 hours of the occurrence to the
responsible Flight Standards office:
(1) IFSDs, except planned IFSDs performed for flight
training.
(2) Diversions and turnbacks for failures, malfunctions, or
defects associated with any airplane or engine system.
(3) Uncommanded power or thrust changes or surges.
(4) Inability to control the engine or obtain desired power or
thrust.
(5) Inadvertent fuel loss or unavailability, or uncorrectable
fuel imbalance in flight.
(6) Failures, malfunctions or defects associated with ETOPS
Significant Systems.
(7) Any event that would jeopardize the safe flight and landing
of the airplane on an ETOPS flight.
(i) Propulsion system monitoring. The certificate holder,
in coordination with the responsible Flight Standards office, must
-
(1) Establish criteria as to what action is to be taken when
adverse trends in propulsion system conditions are detected,
and
(2) Investigate common cause effects or systemic errors and
submit the findings to the responsible Flight Standards office
within 30 days.
(j) Engine condition monitoring. (1) The certificate
holder must establish an engine-condition monitoring program to
detect deterioration at an early stage and to allow for corrective
action before safe operation is affected.
(2) This program must describe the parameters to be monitored,
the method of data collection, the method of analyzing data, and
the process for taking corrective action.
(3) The program must ensure that engine limit margins are
maintained so that a prolonged engine-inoperative diversion may be
conducted at approved power levels and in all expected
environmental conditions without exceeding approved engine limits.
This includes approved limits for items such as rotor speeds and
exhaust gas temperatures.
(k) Oil consumption monitoring. The certificate holder
must develop an engine oil consumption monitoring program to ensure
that there is enough oil to complete each ETOPS flight. APU oil
consumption must be included if an APU is required for ETOPS. The
operator's consumption limit may not exceed the manufacturer's
recommendation. Monitoring must be continuous and include oil added
at each ETOPS departure point. The program must compare the amount
of oil added at each ETOPS departure point with the running average
consumption to identify sudden increases.
(l) APU in-flight start program. If an APU is required
for ETOPS, but is not required to run during the ETOPS portion of
the flight, the certificate holder must have a program acceptable
to the FAA for cold soak in-flight start and run reliability.
(m) Maintenance training. For each airplane-engine
combination, the certificate holder must develop a maintenance
training program to ensure that it provides training adequate to
support ETOPS. It must include ETOPS specific training for all
persons involved in ETOPS maintenance that focuses on the special
nature of ETOPS. This training must be in addition to the
operator's maintenance training program used to qualify individuals
for specific airplanes and engines.
(n) Configuration, maintenance, and procedures (CMP)
document. The certificate holder must use a system to ensure
compliance with the minimum requirements set forth in the current
version of the CMP document for each airplane-engine combination
that has a CMP.
(o) Reporting. The certificate holder must report
quarterly to the responsible Flight Standards office and the
airplane and engine manufacturer for each airplane authorized for
ETOPS. The report must provide the operating hours and cycles for
each airplane.
G135.2.9 Delayed compliance date for all airplanes. A
certificate holder need not comply with this appendix for any
airplane until August 13, 2008.
[Doc. No. FAA-2002-6717, 72 FR 1885, Jan. 16, 2007, as amended by
Amdt. 135-108, 72 FR 7348, Feb. 15, 2007; 72 FR 26542, May 10,
2007; Amdt. 135-112, 73 FR 8798, Feb. 15, 2008; Amdt. 135-115, 73
FR 33882, June 16, 2008; Docket FAA-2018-0119, Amdt. 135-139, 83 FR
9175, Mar. 5, 2018]