This tiny label is what allows twin-jet airliners to fly over oceans. #aviation #airplane #airlines

This tiny ETOPS label is the reason twin-jet airliners are allowed to fly over oceans. But why does this exist?

ETOPS stands for Extended-range Twin-engine Operations Performance Standards, and it’s a crucial safety certificate that nearly all modern twin engine airliners have.

You see, back in the 1930s, piston engines were not that great, and frequently broke down.

So, the FAA created this requirement that twin-engine aircraft can’t fly over 60 minutes from a diversion airport.

This rule pretty much sucked because pilots had to make special flight plans with multiple stops, and direct flights basically weren’t a thing.

In the 1980s, jet engines had much stronger reliability, so the ICAO, or the International Civil Aviation Organization established ETOPS which now allows twin-jets to fly within 120 to 180 minutes from a diversion airport.

This gives airlines the best route flexibility, but this certification is not easy to get.

Twin-engine planes have to go through rigorous testing and uphold a strong operational history to even qualify for this rating.

So, the next time you fly over the ocean, take a moment to appreciate this small but monumental moment in aviation history.
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