Register

The Rules and Fuel

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Fuel exhaustion is a leading cause of general aviation power loss, partly due to ambiguous FAA regulations regarding fuel reserve requirements in varying flight conditions.
  • The article argues that pilots should prioritize common sense fuel planning over legalistic interpretations of the rules, focusing on the clear intent to carry a safe, conservative reserve.
  • Key practical advice includes calculating fuel reserves in gallons (not just time), trusting fuel gauges that indicate low fuel, prioritizing adequate fuel over maximum takeoff weight limits, and refueling midway through long flights to avoid optimism bias.
See a mistake? Contact us.

What is it with pilots and fuel?

The most obvious requirement for continued powered flight-fuel in the tanks-seems to confound pilots more than P-factor. It’s impossible to know for sure how many pilots run out of fuel each year, because many power-loss events do not result in an accident if there is no serious personal injury or substantial damage during the forced landing. But it is safe to say that fuel exhaustion is a leading, if not the leading, cause of power loss in general aviation flying.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE