In the absence of MDS-specific guidance, what should PICs of multi-engine aircraft over large bodies of water consider?

The consideration of calculating and plotting an Equal Time Point (ETP) and fuel requirements is essential for a pilot in command (PIC) of multi-engine aircraft operating over large bodies of water, particularly when specific guidance is unavailable. An ETP is the point along a flight path where an aircraft must decide whether to continue toward a destination or divert back to an alternate airport based on fuel availability and distance.

In scenarios where a multi-engine aircraft operates over water, there is an increased risk due to the distance from suitable landing sites. By calculating the ETP, the PIC can effectively manage fuel resources, ensuring that the aircraft has enough to return to the closest land option if needed. This is a vital safety measure, as it allows the PIC to make informed decisions about the flight path while considering possible emergencies.

While plotting a course toward land is a reasonable thought, it is not specific enough to ensure safety in a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment like flying over large bodies of water. Frequent communication with ground control, although important for situational awareness, does not directly address fuel management and emergency planning. Likewise, focusing on passenger comfort, while always a factor in flight operations, does not take precedence over ensuring safe routing and fuel calculations in such critical situations. Thus