Welcome Guest. Sign in or Signup

1 Answers

Low Fuel v.s. Emergency Fuel

Asked by: 5542 views , , , , ,
Aircraft Systems, Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, General Aviation, Instrument Rating

Hi!

Recently my classmate was failed in his Instrument Rating checkride, because of this question: What are the definitions of minimum fuel, low fuel and emergency fuel?

I could not find any documentations explaining the differences between emergency fuel and low fuel.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Ace Any FAA Written Test!
Actual FAA Questions / Free Lifetime Updates
The best explanations in the business
Fast, efficient study.
Pass Your Checkride With Confidence!
FAA Practical Test prep that reflects actual checkrides.
Any checkride: Airplane, Helicopter, Glider, etc.
Written and maintained by actual pilot examiners and master CFIs.
The World's Most Trusted eLogbook
Be Organized, Current, Professional, and Safe.
Highly customizable - for student pilots through pros.
Free Transition Service for users of other eLogs.
Our sincere thanks to pilots such as yourself who support AskACFI while helping themselves by using the awesome PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad, and Android aviation apps of our sponsors.

1 Answers



  1. R. Anderson on May 16, 2017

    This is a note from the Air Traffic Controller’s handbook, 7110.65W, paragraph 2-1-8:

    “Use of the term “minimum fuel” indicates recognition by
    a pilot that his/her fuel supply has reached a state where,
    upon reaching destination, he/she cannot accept any undue
    delay. This is not an emergency situation but merely an
    advisory that indicates an emergency situation is possible
    should any undue delay occur. A minimum fuel advisory
    does not imply a need for traffic priority. Common sense
    and good judgment will determine the extent of assistance
    to be given in minimum fuel situations. If, at any time, the
    remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for traffic
    priority to ensure a safe landing, the pilot should declare
    an emergency and report fuel remaining in minutes.”

    Also, see the info in the AIM paragraph 5-5-15 “Minimum Fuel Advisory” and look at the term “Fuel Remaining in the AIM Pilot/Controller Glossary.

    My opinion: “minimum fuel” is alerting the controller that any undue delay of your flight could result in an “emergency fuel” situation. However, no special handling required (e,g,, diverting other traffic, opposite direction landing, etc.).

    I don’t believe “low fuel” has a specific meaning beyond a similarity to “minimum fuel.” But, it’s wise to use the proper terminology in accordance with the AIM to ensure that your actual fuel status is understood and proper handling by ATC therefore can be expected. The AIM terminology conforms to the Controller’s Handbook information.

    +2 Votes Thumb up 2 Votes Thumb down 0 Votes


The following terms have been auto-detected the question above and any answers or discussion provided. Click on a term to see its definition from the Dauntless Aviation JargonBuster Glossary.

Answer Question

Our sincere thanks to all who contribute constructively to this forum in answering flight training questions. If you are a flight instructor or represent a flight school / FBO offering flight instruction, you are welcome to include links to your site and related contact information as it pertains to offering local flight instruction in a specific geographic area. Additionally, direct links to FAA and related official government sources of information are welcome. However we thank you for your understanding that links to other sites or text that may be construed as explicit or implicit advertising of other business, sites, or goods/services are not permitted even if such links nominally are relevant to the question asked.