What Is Equal Time Point in Aviation?
Equal Time Point defined for aviation professionals, with its operational or commercial use, document context and related terminology.
Definition, Documents and Application
An Equal Time Point, or ETP, is the point along a route from which the time to two selected diversion airports is equal under the planning assumptions used.
Aviation Glossary
Term: Equal Time Point
Category: Airline Operations & Navigation
How It Is Used in Flight Operations
Equal Time Point is used within dispatch, flight planning, crew procedures, aircraft approvals or air traffic operations depending on the subject. Operators must apply the version and approval basis recognized by the relevant aviation authority.
Operational Effect
Dispatchers use ETP calculations for oceanic, remote and EDTO planning, particularly when winds make simple geographic midpoints misleading.
Approval and Dispatch Considerations
Equipment capability alone may not be sufficient. Operator approval, crew qualification, maintenance status, database currency, route authorization and company procedures can all affect whether the capability may be used on a specific flight.
Related Aviation Topics
Related ACMI World coverage includes structuring an ACMI RFP, ACMI lease pricing, benefits of ACMI leasing, international charter compliance and wet lease versus dry lease.
Dispatchers use ETP calculations for oceanic, remote and EDTO planning, particularly when winds make simple geographic midpoints misleading.
Equal Time Point FAQ
What does Equal Time Point mean in aviation?
An Equal Time Point, or ETP, is the point along a route from which the time to two selected diversion airports is equal under the planning assumptions used.
Why does Equal Time Point matter?
Dispatchers use ETP calculations for oceanic, remote and EDTO planning, particularly when winds make simple geographic midpoints misleading.
Where would an aviation professional encounter Equal Time Point?
It is commonly encountered in airline operations & navigation documents, procedures, calculations or operating discussions where the underlying technical or commercial issue is relevant.
Does installed equipment automatically authorize the operation?
No. Many capabilities also require operator approval, current maintenance status, crew qualification and procedures accepted by the relevant authority.