PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
Four-engined aircraft such as the Airbus A340 could be dragged into the debate over long range operations
Boeing is pushing to have its new ultra-long-range 777-200/300 derivatives cleared for at least 240min extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS). At the same time it is lobbying for a standard set of long range operations (LROPS) rules that also apply to four-engined aircraft such as the rival Airbus A340-500/600.
The 777 is currently cleared for 180min ETOPS on most routes, including the new services over the North Pole. The US Federal Aviation Administration last year granted some operators of 777s on North Pacific routes a 15% extension to 207min in the event that weather or volcanic activity forced the closure of some of six designated alternate airports in Russia, the Aleutians or Alaska.
There remain large areas of the Indian Ocean, South Atlantic and Pacific which are off limits to the 777. "The aircraft is at a point where we would like to see an increase in diversion time. We're structuring testing to meet future requirements for unlimited approval and would hope to have 777X operational approval for at least 240min," says Chet Ekstrand, Boeing ETOPS vice president.
Boeing adds it would "feel more comfortable" with an increase in ETOPS clearance for trans-Polar routes, which are being used by several 777 operators, such as Continental Airlines. This would ease the problem created by a lack of reliable data for forecasting weather at any of the diversion airfields in the Russian Far East.
The FAA aviation rulemaking advisory committee (ARAC) was tasked last June with formalising ETOPS regulations. Boeing would like to see the committee eliminate time restrictions on the 777, and to have LROPS rules governing four-engined aircraft brought in line with twin-engine jets. The ARAC is due to conclude its work before the end of the month.
"We feel it's time to level the playing field between the twin- and quad-engine aircraft," says Ekstrand. "I believe the majority of people involved in ARAC accept that the 777 is as safe as any long-range aircraft operating today. We feel planning requirements for fuel and alternative airports needs to be consistent for all aircraft."
Boeing claims only one 777 engine has been shut down during the ETOPS part of a flight between 1995 and March 2000, and that the aircraft demonstrated a lower air turnback and diversion rate than the A340 during last year. The company adds that only twin jet aircraft are required to carry enough cargo hold fire suppressant for the maximum diversion time plus 15min.
Source: Flight International
