Referring to Annex II - AMC 20-6 rev.2, on ETOPS Applicability, is an ETOPS operational approval required or not for aircraft with a seating configuration of 19 or less and not exceeding 180 minutes at the approved one-engine-inoperative (OEI) speed (in still air) from an adequate aerodrome?
Answer
“The acceptable means of compliance for operators seeking an ETOPS operational approval to operate aeroplanes with a maximum passenger seating configuration of 19 or less, in excess of 180 minutes at the approved one-engine-inoperative (OEI) speed (in still air) from an adequate aerodrome is AMC 20-6. For operations in excess of 120 minutes at the approved OEI, refer to the below’’
Reference: Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 on Air Operations, Annex IV (Part CAT)
Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 must be considered, especially point CAT.OP.MPA.140, which states:
“(a) Unless approved by the competent authority in accordance with Annex V (Part SPA), Subpart F, the operator shall not operate a two-engined aeroplane over a route that contains a point further from an adequate aerodrome, under standard conditions in still air, than the appropriate distance for the given type of aeroplane among the following:
[...].
for performance class A aeroplanes with an MOPSC of 19 or less, the distance flown in 120 minutes or, subject to approval by the competent authority, up to 180 minutes for turbojet aeroplanes, at the OEI cruise speed determined in accordance with (b);”
Therefore, a specific ETOPS approval under Part-SPA (Annex V to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012) is not required to operate between 120 and 180 minutes from an adequate aerodrome; nevertheless, an operator is required to hold an approval based on the provisions contained in AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.140(c). Without this approval, an operator cannot operate in excess of 120 minutes from an adequate aerodrome.