FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCHard
During cruise, a Part 121 flight crew determines that remaining fuel will arrive at the destination with less than the required reserve if any delay occurs, but an immediate emergency does not yet exist. What is the correct action per AIM guidance?
- AContinue without notifying ATC since fuel reserves are a company dispatch matter only
- BRequest a fuel emergency squawk code 7700 to alert ATC facilities along the route
- CAdvise ATC of 'minimum fuel,' understanding this does not imply a need for priority handling but does advise ATC that any delay could result in an emergency
- DDeclare an emergency immediately to guarantee priority handling from ATC
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Advise ATC of 'minimum fuel,' understanding this does not imply a need for priority handling but does advise ATC that any delay could result in an emergency
Per the AIM, pilots should advise ATC of a 'minimum fuel' state when fuel supply is such that little or no delay can be accepted. This is not an emergency declaration and does not guarantee priority handling, but it alerts ATC that a fuel emergency may develop if further delays occur.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ATC must be advised because it affects sequencing and potential delays that could create an emergency.
- B. Squawking 7700 is for actual emergencies, not an advisory fuel state.
- D. Declaring an emergency is reserved for when fuel state actually requires priority handling; minimum fuel is a lesser advisory.
Minimum Fuel Advisory
An ATC advisory made by a pilot when fuel state is such that no delay can be accepted, without declaring an emergency or guaranteeing priority handling.
- Does NOT guarantee priority handling from ATC
- Distinct from declaring a fuel emergency (which does require priority)
- Alerts ATC that a subsequent delay could result in an emergency
Memory trick: 'Minimum fuel is a heads-up, not a 911 call'