suitable vs adequate airports?

[ss9e]

i can't find a clear definition in the far's. any ideas?

 

[whatfuelpolicy]

i can't find a clear definition in the far's. any ideas?

I can't remember off the top of my head where it is, but "suitable" airport should be defined as an airport where the runway is suitable for your aircraft, there is passenger protection from your airline or a partner airline, and 24 hour maintenance.

 

[dispatchguy]

Look in the ETOPS portion of your Flight Ops Manual.

An adequate airport is an airport that can theoretically handle your airplane adequately. Sufficient runways, acceptable approaches, and the like.

A suitable airport is an adequate airport that meets CFR requirements, operational weather mins, and the like.

The way I read it, an airport must first be adequate before being suitable.

Clear As Mud?

 

[RJAA]

always must be within 60 mins from adequate airport, otherwise ETOPS 75/120/138/180/207 mins from suitable airport.

 

[ss9e]

we're not etops yet. we get the 777 next year. our fom gives little to no clarification. i searched the far's and can't find a clear definition.

 

[dispatchguy]

Ahh, non ETOPS then...

Maybe look @ a definition of the ETP alternate airport. Until ETOPS, I dont think there is a federally-accepted definition; kinda like the definition of marginal - its what you (the cert holder) sez it is.

 

[homerjdispatch]

I can't remember off the top of my head where it is, but "suitable" airport should be defined as an airport where the runway is suitable for your aircraft, there is passenger protection from your airline or a partner airline, and 24 hour maintenance.

I disagree with your last two points...I dont think you include passenger protection in making that determination per FARS. And 24 hour mx? That seems restrictive as a suitable airport.

Isnt the point of a suitable airport safety? To get the plane safely on the ground in case of an emergency? If thats the case I couldn't care less about what we do with the pax or if MX is there to fix the airplane. I want that plane SAFELY on the ground at an AIRPORT where it can LAND SAFELY!

 

[RJAA]

Simply just need adequate runway length, fire fightning and rescue capability. Then add and maintain required weather mins to be suitable.

 

[MaceyHold]

Suitable - an adequate airport with weather reports or forecasts, or any combination thereof, at the time of dispatch, indicating that the weather conditions will be at or above the operating minima, as specified in the OPSSECS or Operations Certificate, and that the field condition reports indicate a safe landing can be made from one hour prior to one hour after the anticipated times of arrival

Adequate - an airport certified by the appropriate regulatory agency as one which meets the regulatory authority's safety requirements. ARFF, proper ATC facilities, runway length, strength. Must also meet weather requirements. Some areas require at least one navaid available as well.

That should help get you started

 

[homerjdispatch]

where did those definitions come from?

 

[uhdt]

Before 2/15/2008 an adequate airport was one that had a suitable runway and CFR. A suitable airport was an airport that was adequate, but also had weather report/mins for an enroute alternate.
Since the new ETOPS rule went into effect, the old suitable is now called adequate (i.e. runway(s), CFR, and weather). FAR's 121.7 and 121.197.
Polar Ops are as far as I'm aware is the only time you need passenger recover plans, but I didn't see anything requiring MX anywhere.

I gotta be bored if I'm looking though FAR's online!

 

[ss9e]

Since the new ETOPS rule went into effect, the old suitable is now called adequate (i.e. runway(s), CFR, and weather). FAR's 121.7 and 121.197.

i don't show a 121.7. 121.197 doesn't address weather.

 

[uhdt]

121.7 is definitions.

 

[uhdt]

121.624 addresses WX....sorry for missing that one

 

[bcp7]

Originally the terms "adequate airport" and "suitable airport" were found in the ETOPS Advisory Circular 120-42 then 120-42A, and were as described above. An "adequate airport" is one with the physical facilities to handle the type of aircraft to be operated including runway length, firefighting facilities, etc. and a "suitable airport" was an adequate airport which meets the carriers weather criteria for an ETOPS alternate.




The AC has been superceded by new regulations,





Found this is a google search for "adequate airport"





§ 121.7 Definitions.

The following definitions apply to those sections of part 121 that apply to ETOPS:
Adequate Airport means an airport that an airplane operator may list with approval from the FAA because that airport meets the landing limitations of §121.197 and is either—
(1) An airport that meets the requirements of part 139, subpart D of this chapter, excluding those that apply to aircraft rescue and firefighting service, or
(2) A military airport that is active and operational.
ETOPS Alternate Airport means an adequate airport listed in the certificate holder's operations specifications that is designated in a dispatch or flight release for use in the event of a diversion during ETOPS. This definition applies to flight planning and does not in any way limit the authority of the pilot-in-command during flight.

 

[N271FE]

Until we're ETOPS and this is easier, I like your Equal Time Point plan... Fuelish or not!!!

 

[Firebird]

The Airport My Truck Is Parked At

 

[uhdt]

Firebird...That would be an Adequate place, as opposed to Suitable, which is one where they have snow removal (if needed).