ETOPS Certification Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

ETOPS Certification Exam

The ETOPS Certification Exam (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) assesses a pilot's ability to safely operate twin-engine aircraft on routes that extend beyond standard diversion distances. This is essential for flights over oceans, remote areas, and polar regions. The exam focuses on regulations, flight planning, emergency procedures, and system redundancies specific to ETOPS operations.

Key Topics to Study

1. ETOPS Overview and Certification

Definition of ETOPS and its purpose.
Regulatory requirements for ETOPS certification (FAA AC 120-42B, EASA CS-25, ICAO Annex 6).
ETOPS certification levels: 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 minutes or greater.
Differences between ETOPS and non-ETOPS flights.

2. Aircraft and Maintenance Requirements

Redundant systems for ETOPS approval (engines, electrical, hydraulic, etc.).
Maintenance requirements, including ETOPS-specific checks.
System reliability standards (e.g., engine in-flight shutdown rate requirements).

3. Crew Training and Responsibilities

ETOPS-specific training for pilots and dispatchers.
Monitoring and cross-checking of systems during ETOPS flights.
Understanding MEL (Minimum Equipment List) and its ETOPS implications.

4. Flight Planning

Identifying ETOPS entry/exit points (EEP/EXP).
Calculating Critical Point (CP) and Equal Time Point (ETP).
Selecting suitable ETOPS alternates:
- Runway requirements.
- Weather minima.
- Airport services and fuel availability.
Fuel planning, including:
- Diversion fuel.
- Single-engine cruise fuel.
- Contingency and reserve fuel.

5. Navigation and Communication

Use of navigation systems: GNSS, INS/IRS, and FMC.
Communication systems for remote regions (HF radio, SATCOM, CPDLC).
Contingency procedures for lost communication or navigation systems.

6. Fuel and Engine Management

Monitoring fuel usage and temperature during flight.
Procedures for managing fuel temperature approaching freezing.
Single-engine cruise performance and considerations.

7. Emergency and Contingency Procedures

Procedures for an engine-out scenario.
Cabin depressurization procedures over remote areas.
Diversion planning during emergencies:
- Weather, terrain, and fuel considerations.
Loss of system redundancy (e.g., electrical or hydraulic failures).

8. Operational Scenarios and Problem-Solving

Adapting to sudden changes in ETOPS alternates (e.g., weather closure).
Handling medical emergencies mid-flight over remote regions.
Navigating through airspace with limited ATC support.

Sample Exam Questions

General ETOPS Knowledge
- Define ETOPS and explain why it is important for twin-engine operations.
- What are the key differences between 120-minute and 180-minute ETOPS certification?
Flight Planning
- How do you determine ETOPS entry and exit points on a transatlantic flight?
- What criteria must an airport meet to qualify as an ETOPS alternate?
Fuel Management
- What is the required fuel reserve for a 180-minute ETOPS operation?
- Explain how to monitor and manage fuel temperature during a polar ETOPS flight.
Navigation and Communication
- What are the primary navigation systems used during ETOPS flights, and how are they cross-checked?
- How does CPDLC improve communication efficiency in remote ETOPS airspace?
Contingency Procedures
- Describe the actions to take in the event of an engine failure mid-flight in ETOPS airspace.
- What is the procedure for a cabin depressurization event during an ETOPS segment?
Operational Scenarios
- A medical emergency requires an immediate diversion, but the nearest ETOPS alternate is below minimum weather. What is your plan?
- One of your navigation systems fails during an ETOPS flight. What steps will you take?

Study Tips

Understand Regulatory Standards
- Familiarize yourself with FAA AC 120-42B, ICAO Annex 6, and EASA regulations related to ETOPS.
Master ETOPS Flight Planning
- Practice calculating ETPs, diversion distances, and fuel requirements using real-world scenarios.
Learn Emergency Procedures
- Memorize contingency actions for common ETOPS emergencies, such as engine-out or system failures.
Review Aircraft Systems
- Study the specific systems of the aircraft you’ll be certified on (e.g., fuel, electrical, hydraulic systems).
Simulate Scenarios
- Use flight simulators or case studies to practice ETOPS operations and emergency responses.
Focus on Communication and Navigation
- Practice position reporting, HF communication, and SATCOM operations.