ETOPS Alternate Airport: Rescue and fire fighting service

This regulation sets minimum rescue and fire fighting service (RFFS) requirements at airports designated as ETOPS alternates—the emergency diversion airports used when flying extended routes over water or remote areas.

For ETOPS flights up to 180 minutes from an alternate, that airport must have ICAO Category 4 or better RFFS. For ETOPS beyond 180 minutes, alternates still need Category 4, but the aircraft must also stay within its authorized diversion time of an airport with Category 7 or better RFFS.

If an airport doesn't have the required equipment and personnel immediately available, it can still be listed as an alternate if local fire fighting resources can augment it to meet the standard. The response time can be up to 30 minutes if those resources are notified while the diverting aircraft is en route. The augmented RFFS must be ready when the aircraft arrives and remain available as long as needed.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*