Originally Posted by
MaxPowers
OK, Chief. If you say so, but you're starting to sound like your crew we heard on the freq last week repeatedly asking ATC for "direct BEANO". The Controller patiently informed them that they didn't seem to have the equipment suffix for a flight through WATRS airspace. . . which didn't seem to sink in. "We got ETOPS!" They kept repeating. "We can take direct BEANO!".
As of August 11th, we have been doing Class II navigation through WATRS airspace. Taken directly from the bulletin;
Currently, the only aircraft in the fleet capable and authorized for conducting Class II flights are the -800 ETOPS aircraft.
So yes, incorrect equipment suffix notwithstanding, the crew stating that they DID have the proper equipment
because they were in an ETOPS aircraft is 100% correct. Your assumption that the crew didn't understand the distinction between WATRS and ETOPS
certification is not.
Chief.