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I noticed something interesting in a video of a Southwest 737-8 MAX being de-iced. Above the registration (N8782Q) was stenciled “8782 ETOPS.” I know what ETOPS stands for, but why would the abbreviation be painted on the airframe?
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Hi there,
Quite a few airlines have a “mixed” fleet of ETOPS and non ETOPS aircraft, even with the same fleet type (say 737-800.) The extra equipment on the ETOPS birds (HF radios, life rafts,etc) isn’t needed on non ETOPS routes, so fuel savings can be quite tangible.
The external markings are a quick way of confirming the aircraft has all the equipment installed. In the middle of a rushed aircraft swap at a hub, it can be very helpful when you notice that the aircraft you are about to preflight isn’t the right one for your flight!
Please excuse any mistakes in the formatting here, it has been years since I’ve posted.
Pablo
Pablo
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