Appendix 6 to AMC 20-6B – ETOPS training programme

The operator’s ETOPS training programme should provide initial and recurrent training for flight crew as follows:

1.         INTRODUCTION TO ETOPS REGULATIONS

a.         Brief overview of the history of ETOPS;

b.         ETOPS regulations;

c.         Definitions;

d.         Approved one-engine-inoperative cruise speed;

e.         ETOPS type design approval – a brief synopsis;

f.          Maximum approved diversion times and time-limited systems capability;

g.         Operator’s approved diversion Time;

h.         Routes and aerodromes intended to be used in the ETOPS area of operations;

i.          ETOPS operations approval;

j.          ETOPS area and routes;

k.         ETOPS en-route alternates aerodromes including all available let-down aids;

l.          Navigation systems accuracy, limitations and operating procedures;

m.       Meteorological facilities and availability of information;

n.         In-flight monitoring procedures;

o.         Computerised flight plan;

p.         Orientation charts, including low level planning charts and flight progress charts usage (including position plotting);

q.         Equal time point;

r.          Critical fuel.

2.         NORMAL OPERATIONS

a.         Flight planning and Dispatch

(1)       ETOPS fuel requirements

(2)       Route alternate selection - weather minima

(3)       Minimum equipment list – ETOPS specific

(4)       ETOPS service check and Tech log

(5)       Pre-flight FMS set-up

b.         Flight performance progress monitoring

(1)       Flight management, navigation and communication systems

(2)       Aeroplane system monitoring

(3)       Weather monitoring

(4)       In-flight fuel management – to include independent cross checking of fuel quantity

3.         ABNORMAL AND CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES

a.         Diversion Procedures and Diversion ‘decision-making’.

Initial and recurrent training to prepare flight crews to evaluate potential significant system failures. The goal of this training should be to establish crew competency in dealing with the most probable contingencies. The discussion should include the factors that may require medical, passenger-related or non-technical diversions.

b.         Navigation and communication systems, including appropriate flight management devices in degraded modes.

c.         Fuel management with degraded systems.

d.         Initial and recurrent training which emphasises abnormal and emergency procedures to be followed in the event of foreseeable failures for each area of operation, including:

(1)       Procedures for single and multiple failures in flight affecting ETOPS sector entry and diversion decisions. If standby sources of electrical power significantly degrade the cockpit instrumentation to the pilots, then training for approaches with the standby generator as the sole power source should be conducted during initial and recurrent training.

(2)       Operational restrictions associated with these system failures including any applicable MEL considerations.

4.         ETOPS LINE FLYING UNDER SUPERVISION (LFUS)

During the introduction into service of a new ETOPS type, or conversion of pilots not previously ETOPS qualified where ETOPS approval is sought, a minimum of two ETOPS sectors should be completed including an ETOPS line check.

ETOPS subjects should also be included in annual refresher training as part of the normal process.

5.         FLIGHT OPERATIONS PERSONNEL OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREW

The operator’s training programme in respect to ETOPS should provide training where applicable for operations personnel other than flight crew (e.g. dispatchers), in addition to refresher training in the following areas:

a.         ETOPS regulations/operations approval

b.         Aeroplane performance/diversion procedures

c.         Area of operation

d.         Fuel requirements

e.         Dispatch considerations MEL, CDL, weather minima, and alternate airports

f.          Documentation

[Amdt 20/7]

[Amdt 20/21]