FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Flight Planning and PerformanceMedium
A dispatcher calculates trip fuel of 10,000 pounds for a Part 121 flight. Using the standard contingency fuel allowance of 5% of trip fuel, how many pounds of contingency fuel must be added to the flight plan?
- A500 pounds
- B750 pounds
- C1,000 pounds
- D250 pounds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 500 pounds
Contingency fuel is calculated as 5% of the planned trip fuel: 10,000 lb × 0.05 = 500 lb. This fuel covers unforeseen factors such as minor routing or wind deviations.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 750 lb would be 7.5%, too high.
- C. 1,000 lb would be 10%, double the standard allowance.
- D. 250 lb would be 2.5%, not the standard 5%.
Contingency Fuel
Contingency fuel is additional fuel, typically 5% of trip fuel, carried to cover unforeseen factors that could affect fuel consumption to the destination.
- Standard value: 5% of trip fuel
- Covers unplanned routing, wind, or ATC delays
- One component among taxi, trip, alternate, and reserve fuel
Memory trick: '5% for surprises' — contingency covers the unexpected.