Dear all,
This is with reference to the FAA AC120-42B (Extended Operations (ETOPS & Polar Operations) dated 06/13/08
As per the picture attached of the circular, any A/C who has got 180mins of ETOPS clearance can plan an alternate airport with RFFS 4.
Consider a B777 (RFFS CAT 9 as per ICAO) on a transatlantic/transpacific or on a critical route. It therefore can be given a 'suitable' alternate whose fire fighting capability is 4.
The questions -
Q1) is the above assumption correct ?
Q2) if yes, how will a Airport with RFFS CAT 4 can take care of a B777 as in this example which has diverted because of a fire?
Q3) what is the sanctity of an a/c RFFS requirement ? (when it can be allowed to divert to a airport where requirements are not being met)
Any info on the above or FAA mind-set in framing and giving such leverage is appreciated.
Any similar leverage given by JAA ?
Thankyou all.