Proper noun
(aviation) Acronym of Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards. An aviation rule about how far two-engined aircraft can operate distant from a diversion airport at all times in case of a single-engine failure. Without ETOPS that is 60-minutes of flight time, Various ETOPS levels of qualification extend this to 90, 120, 180-minutes.
(humorous, aviation) Acronym of engines turn or passengers swim. A facetious backronym reinterpretation of ETOPS to explain the literal situation of ETOPS operations, due to the lack of range from single-engine operations on twin-engined aircraft, and circumstances over long-haul ocean routes.
Source: en.wiktionary.orgBuoyed by a recovering global economy and ETOPS approval, 767 sales accelerated in the mid-to-late 1980s, with 1989 being the most prolific year with 132 firm orders. Source: Internet
ETOPS emergency landing site Diego Garcia may be identified as an ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations) emergency landing site (en route alternate) for flight planning purposes of commercial airliners. Source: Internet
The 767-200 was the first aircraft to be used on transatlantic ETOPS flights, beginning with TWA on February 1, 1985 under 90-minute diversion rules. Source: Internet
In 1985, as the pioneer for ETOPS (for "Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards"), the 767 was certified for extended flights that would make it the first commercial twin jet to fly regular routes across the Atlantic. Source: Internet
It must get Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPs) certification, which could take a year or longer. Source: Internet