Using Military Airports as ETOPS alternate

[arakotoarson]

Hi all,

on 14 CFR Appendix G to Part 135, Extended Operations (ETOPS) :

G135.1.1 Adequate Airport means an airport that an airplane operator may list with approval from the FAA because that airport meets the landing limitations of § 135.385 or is a military airport that is active and operational.

For French airlines and all non-US airlines, is it possible to choose a military airport as an ETOPS alternate ?

Is there any special requirements such as a request to US navy for example ?

Thanks for your help !

[GLAEDI]

I believe they can but, the passengers will ordered to stay onboard, if the aircraft isn't serviceable then they have to remain in a secure area until the arrival of Homeland Security Border Protection Agents. I believe in recent past a U.K. Flight was held in an aircraft hangar for over 17 hrs.

[Pandy]

Probably the most notable incident of this type was a DL 777 flight out of JNB which put down at ASI in the South Atlantic with an engine out a few years back. Technically ASI is British territory but with a small joint US / UK base. IIRC civilians are not usually permitted on the island without special permission / visa, there is no indigenous population. Must have caused chaos when best part of 300 pax & crew turned up with little warning.
Read on another thread that ASI is now closed to heavies due to 'runway problems' so wonder what that does to flight planning for such ETOPS operations

[arakotoarson]

Thank you all for your quick reply !
My question is about KNSI (San Nicolas Island). If flying NTAA-KLAX (or KLAX-NTAA) and both PHNL and Mexico airports are not suitable, using KNSI instead of KLAX is more interesting.

In addition KNSI NOTAM and WX are vailable from Jetplan / Jetplanner

[racedo]

20 something years ago on a flight to Spain sat with someone who had landed at a USAF base in US as aircraft had brake problems.

Landed just ahead of a tornado and stayed in Military hangar surrounded by guys in Humvees until it passed and busses came to pick them up.

Military were very security conscious but said they ensured everybody was looked after.

[atakacs]

Not sure to understand the relevance of French airline is this question?

[Harry Wayfarers]

Not so long ago Cathay did a dirty dive in to a military base part way across the Pacific that has 50% of it's runway width closed at the time