Introduction
Operators with EDTO/ETOPS approval can now use RocketRoute to plan and file compliant routes*.
* Can be used for EDTO (Extended Diversion Time Operations) ETOPS and LROPS scenarios with aircraft that have two, three, or four engines.
Content
How to use EDTO within RocketRoute
The EDTO threshold circle parameters are located on the first step of flight planning in RocketRoute FlightPlan. Prepare a flight route as normal in Step 1.
Scroll down to the ‘EDTO’ section, and tick the field called ‘Show EDTO Threshold’, this will show the circles on the map.
Specify the airports to be used to calculate the EDTO Entry Point (EEP) and EDTO Exit Point (EXP). These points identify the portion of a route that is beyond your EDTO Threshold, i.e. usually the portion of the route beyond 60 minutes from an adequate aerodrome.
If no EEP is specified, the ADEP will be used by default; if no EXP is specified, the application will use the ADES.
Click on the ‘Show Threshold’ checkbox to add these shaded circles to the map.
Then add your chosen En-Route Alternate (ERA) airports. ERA’s must be added in sequential order so that the ETP calculations are correct. Press ‘Add ERA’ to include additional ERAs.
After any changes or additions to the EDTO section, press Recalculate to apply your choices, and for the EDTO fuel scenarios to be calculated.
The small black triangles on the route string (screenshot below) mark the following points:
EN = Entry Point, e.g. EN – LPLA this is the point on the route where the aircraft enters an Approval circle.
EEP = EDTO Entry Point, e.g. EEP – LFRB this is the point where the EDTO portion of the route begins.
ETP = Equal Time Point, e.g. ETP-1 LEST / LPLA this is the point at which the flight time both airports used to calculate the ETP is the same, based on the aircraft settings you have chosen.
EX = Exit Point, e.g. EX – LEST This is the point on the route where the aircraft exits and the airport Approval area.
EXP = EDTO Exit Point, e.g. EXP – TBPB this is the point where the EDTO portion of the route ends.
The big yellow triangles are the so-called 'searchlights'. They highlight the segment of the route that each ERA is providing EDTO coverage. Essentially, the ERAs are ‘shining’ EDTO onto the route.
Entry (EN), EDTO Entry (EEP), Exit (EX) , Equal Time (ETP) Points and yellow 'searchlights'.
Any gaps in EDTO coverage will generate a red warning corridor along the applicable section of your route.
Scenarios, Flight Log, and Briefing Pack
RocketRoute will calculate four emergency fuel scenarios:
• 1 Engine Inoperative (Driftdown)
• Depressurisation (All Engines OK)
• Depressurisation with 1 Engine Inoperative
• Medical Emergency (Aircraft OK)
RocketRoute will also calculate and show in the briefing pack the EDTO Critical Point. This is the point where the difference between the required diversion fuel and the planned fuel on board is the least.
At each ETP, the four fuel scenarios are calculated to each ERA, meaning that each ETP will have eight fuel calculations relating to it.
Additionally, depending on the Operators’ specific approval, there is the option of calculating the fuel scenarios from the EEP to the first ERA, and from the EXP to the last ERA.
A new route map is also now available in the Briefing Pack, including an overlay of key EDTO information.
EDTO Aircraft Settings
Typically, RocketRoute will set up the aircraft as a part of your onboarding process.
To be able to use the EDTO functionality in RocketRoute, the aircraft must be correctly and fully configured.
First, the aircraft must have Advanced Data completed in the Aircraft Profile.
To check and set the aircraft settings please follow these steps:
• Log in to the RocketRoute account;
• Click 'MORE' -> 'AIRCRAFT' -> Select aircraft ->'EDTO'
The EDTO section has 4 sub-sections with editable fields. We recommend checking all of them and setting the data where applicable.
• Threshold Circle Calculation
• Approval Area Calculation
• Equal Time Point Calculation
• Scenario Parameters
Support
Want to find out more? Our Accounts team will gladly demonstrate how the enhanced EDTO feature works. Just ask for a free demo.