uhdt
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2008
- Posts
- 74
This is the crux of the issue as I read it. As of now, VA is limited to the 162nm limitation on the SFO/LAX - CUN flights requiring an excessive routing near land when crossing the east coast of mainland Mexico over the gulf to CUN. In order to exceed the 162nm limitation (out to an approximate 300nm limit) VA needs to install life rafts. VA's plan seems to be to proceed with ETOPS certification, which will both satisfy the CUN "shortcut" and eventually allow for west coast/Hawaii service.
S
SFO-CUN is not a route that requires ETOPS. To exceed the 162NM limit, life rafts have to be installed. A company can do ETOPS experience flights on domestic runs, they just have to treat them as ETOPS flights rule wise. The airline I was with did that when getting approved for ETOPS.