In aviation, it is crucial to have an effective fuel policy in place. This enables safe and efficient flight operations.
A fuel policy can also help to achieve cost and environmental efficiencies for aviation service providers.
Fuel planning is a critical aspect of flight operations, ensuring both safety and efficiency for every flight.
Therefore, airlines and flight dispatchers must carefully calculate fuel requirements.
This is to allow for various operational scenarios, including delays, diversions, and unforeseen contingencies.
AVIATION FUEL POLICY
Since aviation fuel is a major operating cost for most airlines, there is a need for caution.
However, safety must not be compromised while there should also be minimal waste.
Furthermore, environmental impacts should also be factored in.
There should be an aim to reduce environmental impacts.
FUEL POLICY COMPONENTS
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the standard fuel policy components:
TAXI FUEL
This is the fuel consumed during ground operations, including startup, pushback, taxi-out, and delays before takeoff.
While taxi fuel is an essential part of fuel planning, it is not included in total endurance calculations.
TRIP FUEL
Also known as block fuel minus reserves, trip fuel is the exact amount of fuel required to fly from the departure airport to the destination under normal conditions.
This calculation considers factors such as expected route and altitude, wind component (headwinds/tailwinds), temperature, aircraft weight and Air Traffic Control (ATC) restrictions.
CONTINGENCY FUEL
Unforeseen conditions like weather changes, ATC reroutes, or minor performance deviations may impact fuel burn.
Contingency fuel provides a buffer for such situations and is calculated as 5% of the planned trip fuel or fuel required for 5 minutes of holding at 1500 feet above the destination airfield elevation (whichever is greater).
Though this fuel may remain unused, it plays a crucial role in ensuring operational safety.
ALTERNATIVE FUEL
Should the destination airport be unavailable due to weather, runway closures, or other operational reasons, alternate fuel ensures the aircraft can reach a designated alternate airport safely.
This fuel amount covers missed approach at the destination, climb, cruise, and descent to the alternate airport.
FINAL RESERVE FUEL
This is the minimum fuel required to ensure aircraft safety in emergency situations.
Regulations typically require enough fuel to hold for 30 minutes for turbine-powered aircraft, 45 minutes for piston-powered aircraft at 1500 feet above the alternate or destination airport (if no alternate is required).
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
That said, it must be noted that there are important factors to consider when designing fuel policy.
According to aviation consultant Ashish Mishra, it is necessary to double-check fuel planning requirements and regulatory guidelines specific to each operation.
Mishra says that fuel efficiency isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about ensuring a safe, smooth, and compliant flight.
Situational awareness and proactive decision-making are key to optimizing fuel management while maintaining operational safety.
Pilots and dispatchers should always account for additional fuel needs, such as extra holding fuel for expected congestion or adverse weather.
Fuel policies can vary depending on the airline, regulatory authorities (DGCA, EASA, FAA), and aircraft type.
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