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Old 08-24-2013 | 01:20 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by 4th Level
As of August 11th, we have been doing Class II navigation through WATRS airspace. Taken directly from the bulletin;



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.

This just got less funny and more scary.
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Old 08-24-2013 | 01:21 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Frank Rizzo
This just got less funny and more scary.
Nice drive-by post.

Care to elaborate?

------------------------------

No? Then I will.

The crew correctly stated that because they were in an ETOPS equipped -800, they were in fact permitted in to WATRS airspace. That is how our ops specs read, even if there was an incorrect equipment suffix tagged to that flight.

Last edited by 4th Level; 08-24-2013 at 01:47 PM. Reason: Added elaboration since Frank didn't.
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Old 08-24-2013 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 4th Level
Nice drive-by post.

Care to elaborate?

------------------------------

No? Then I will.

The crew correctly stated that because they were in an ETOPS equipped -800, they were in fact permitted in to WATRS airspace. That is how our ops specs read, even if there was an incorrect equipment suffix tagged to that flight.

That might be what your Ops Specs says, but just having the equipment on board ain't complying with the requirements to operate there . . .the Controller was doing them a favor . . . just sayin'.
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Old 08-24-2013 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by MaxPowers
That might be what your Ops Specs says, but just having the equipment on board ain't complying with the requirements to operate there . . .the Controller was doing them a favor . . . just sayin'.
Good God.

Let me try this again.

All of our ETOPS equipped -800's have all the required equipment for, have been approved for, and are currently operating in, Class II and WATRS airspace.

If you still are unclear, you're on your own.
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Old 08-25-2013 | 06:01 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by 4th Level
That is truly frightening. Way out over the North Atlantic in such a tiny airplane!

Just kidding. Enjoy that great Caribbean flying.

Regards,
Clutch
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Old 08-25-2013 | 09:44 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by 4th Level
Nice drive-by post.

Care to elaborate?

------------------------------

No? Then I will.

The crew correctly stated that because they were in an ETOPS equipped -800, they were in fact permitted in to WATRS airspace. That is how our ops specs read, even if there was an incorrect equipment suffix tagged to that flight.
Yeah, I'll elaborate.

Stating to ATC that "we got ETOPs" while enroute to anywhere in the Caribbean (Central or S. America for that matter) from the east coast makes the crew look like they don't know what they're doing...therefore scary.

ETOPs certification is largely a maintenance inspection procedure and less so a assurance of any required equipment to operate in a non-radar environment. To state to a controller that "we got ETOPs" shows the crews lack of understanding. I can't think of a single instance when a crew would voluntarily need to tell a controller that.
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Old 08-25-2013 | 09:52 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by Frank Rizzo
Yeah, I'll elaborate.

Stating to ATC that "we got ETOPs" while enroute to anywhere in the Caribbean (Central or S. America for that matter) from the east coast makes the crew look like they don't know what they're doing...therefore scary.

ETOPs certification is largely a maintenance inspection procedure and less so a assurance of any required equipment to operate in a non-radar environment. To state to a controller that "we got ETOPs" shows the crews lack of understanding. I can't think of a single instance when a crew would voluntarily need to tell a controller that.
Not to mention that caribbean flying is not a true etops environment. Not a single route WN does requires ETOPS.
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Old 08-25-2013 | 11:43 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Frank Rizzo
Yeah, I'll elaborate.

Stating to ATC that "we got ETOPs" while enroute to anywhere in the Caribbean (Central or S. America for that matter) from the east coast makes the crew look like they don't know what they're doing...therefore scary.

ETOPs certification is largely a maintenance inspection procedure and less so a assurance of any required equipment to operate in a non-radar environment. To state to a controller that "we got ETOPs" shows the crews lack of understanding. I can't think of a single instance when a crew would voluntarily need to tell a controller that.

Poor choice of wording on their part? Sure.

Lack of understanding about ETOPS? Doubtful.

Yes, we're all aware that true ETOPS certification is largely a mx function.

Try this on for elaboration (assuming what was reported they said is even accurate - given the SWA haters here, dubious at best);

"We've got ETOPS (equipment and therefore can enter WATRS)".

Currently only Check Airman are doing the WATRS flights. While they're far from perfect, I suspect the extra training and attention they received prior to starting the service has them with an adequate understanding of what they're doing.

All of this over what someone says they heard.

And hardly "scary".
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Old 08-25-2013 | 11:44 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp
Not to mention that caribbean flying is not a true etops environment. Not a single route WN does requires ETOPS.
Yes, we're all aware of that as well.
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Old 08-25-2013 | 11:46 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by ClutchCargo
That is truly frightening. Way out over the North Atlantic in such a tiny airplane!

Just kidding. Enjoy that great Caribbean flying.

Regards,
Clutch

Thanks for the civil (and humorous) reply.

Definitely looking forward to getting out of the lower 48.
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