In the previous clips the ETOPS rules were shortly discussed, which prohibit aircraft with only two engines from making certain Atlantic crossings. An example illustrating the need for this rule is Air Transat Flight 236, a flight from Toronto to Lisbon. Over the Atlantic ocean the Airbus A330 (shown below) experienced a fuel leak and subsequent double engine failure.

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As a result, the aircraft lost all power and began gliding towards the ocean. The pilots had to make a desperate emergency landing on a small island called the Azores. Thankfully, they managed to land the aircraft safely, and all 306 passengers and crew on board survived.

This incident highlighted the importance of the ETOPS rules. ETOPS stands for Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards, and it dictates the maximum distance a twin-engine aircraft can fly from a suitable diversion airport. This rule is in place to ensure that in the event of an engine failure, the aircraft can safely reach an alternate airport within a specified time frame.

In the case of Air Transat Flight 236, if the aircraft had been ETOPS-certified, it would have been able to reach the Azores or another diversion airport. However, since it did not meet the criteria, the pilots had to overcome a critical situation and find a suitable location for an emergency landing. Additionally, the incident prompted a discussion on the adequacy of fuel tanks and system redundancy in twin-engine aircraft.

The ETOPS rules aim to ensure the safety of long-haul flights over remote areas, such as the Atlantic Ocean. By limiting the operational range of twin-engine aircraft, it ensures that a suitable diversion airport is always within reach in case of an emergency. This incident served as a reminder of the importance of these rules in preventing potential disasters and maintaining the safety of passengers and crew.