Airport managers and operations staff are in charge of making sure NOTAMs are issued advising the flying public of the temporary lack of fuel. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]
Key Takeaways:
Orlando International Airport (MCO) experienced a temporary dip in its jet fuel reserve supply due to fog delaying a tanker, sparking public concern despite the airport clarifying it was not out of fuel.
MCO implemented proactive measures, including trucking in fuel and asking airlines to carry additional fuel on arrival, to mitigate the impact on operations and prevent major flight cancellations.
Airlines responded with contingency plans, such as United adding planned fuel stops for some departing flights, while others like Delta anticipated no significant operational impact.
This NOTAM can cause a pilot to adjust their flight plan quicker than a building thunderstorm. It can also activate the rumor mill, resulting in waves of social media posts which may or may not be based in fact. This is particularly true when it involves jet-A and the impact that the lack of it can have on Part 121 commercial operations.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
