Regulations and Government
Part 135 now under new ETOPS rule
The FAA last month issued a final rule on ETOPS (extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards) that allows operators of commercial aircraft

The FAA last month issued a final rule on ETOPS (extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards) that allows operators of commercial aircraft–now including Part 135–to fly virtually anywhere (up to 240 minutes single-engine flying time from a suitable diversion airport), provided the aircraft is capable of protecting passengers and flight crew during an emergency diversion of any length.

The rule formalizes existing policy, industry best practices and international standards to ensure long-range flights operate safely across hostile environments such as over the North and South Poles, the South Atlantic between South America and Africa and the southeastern South Pacific Ocean.