ETOPS
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
ETOPS stands for Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards, an aviation abbreviation.
Rules allowing twin-engine airliners to fly routes taking them more than 60 minutes from a suitable diversion airport, such as across oceans, deserts or polar regions. Aircraft, engines and airlines are certified for a maximum diversion time, commonly 120, 180 or more minutes.
Example: The 787 is certified ETOPS 330, letting airlines fly nonstop between Auckland and Santiago over open ocean.
Usage notes
The FAA granted the first 120-minute approval in 1985 for the Boeing 767. Pilots joke that the letters mean "Engines Turn Or Passengers Swim." Since 2007 US rules use the term "extended operations" and apply some requirements to three- and four-engine aircraft on very long overwater routes. The Airbus A350 has been approved for diversion times up to 370 minutes.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- EFB – Electronic flight bag
- EGPWS – Enhanced ground proximity warning system
- ELT – Emergency locator transmitter
- ETA – Estimated time of arrival
- ETD – Estimated time of departure
- ETE – Estimated time en route
- eVTOL – Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
- FA – Flight attendant
- FAF – Final approach fix
- FAR – Federal Aviation Regulations
- FBO – Fixed-base operator
- FD – Flight director