Determine the point along a route where time to continue equals time to return. This free aviation calculator helps pilots with overwater operations, extended range planning, and advanced flight planning.
Enter total route distance, outbound groundspeed, and return groundspeed to calculate Equal Time Point distance and equal time.
This calculator is useful for time-based diversion planning and extended operations awareness.
Equal Time Point, often abbreviated ETP, is the point along a route where the time required to continue to destination equals the time required to return to departure or another selected point.
This is especially useful in overwater, remote, and extended operations because it helps identify the most time-efficient point for a diversion decision if conditions change.
No. ETP is based on time, while Point of No Return is based on fuel and the ability to return with available fuel.
Wind changes groundspeed in each direction. That directly changes the time required to continue or return, which moves the Equal Time Point.
Yes. In practical flight planning, ETP can be calculated between a destination and another suitable alternate or diversion point, not just the departure airport.
This calculator is a planning aid. Real-world flight planning should also consider fuel, weather, terrain, regulations, operational approvals, and company procedures where applicable.