What does the 'MINIMUM FUEL' declaration tell air traffic control about the helicopter's landing options and the planned final reserve fuel?

The 'MINIMUM FUEL' declaration informs the ATC that all planned landing-site options have been reduced to a specific aerodrome or operating site of intended landing, that no other operating site is available, and that any change to the existing clearance or air traffic delays may result in landing with less than the planned final reserve fuel (FRF).

Is the 'MINIMUM FUEL' declaration considered an emergency situation, and what does it indicate?

The 'MINIMUM FUEL' declaration is not an emergency situation, but it is an indication that an emergency situation is possible should any additional delay occur.

What action must be taken when the final reserve fuel can no longer be protected, and what options must be explored?

When the FRF can no longer be protected, a fuel emergency needs to be declared as per point CAT.OP.MPA.195(d), and any landing option must be explored, including deviating from rules, operational procedures, and methods in the interest of safety as per point CAT.GEN.MPA.105(b).

GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.195 Fuel/energy scheme -- in-flight fuel/energy management policy -- helicopters

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GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.195 Fuel/energy scheme — in-flight fuel/energy management policy — helicopters

ED Decision 2022/005/R

‘MINIMUM FUEL’ DECLARATION

(a) The ‘MINIMUM FUEL’ declaration informs the ATC that all planned landing-site options have been reduced to a specific aerodrome or operating site of intended landing. It also informs the ATC that no other operating site is available, and that any change to the existing clearance, or air traffic delays, may result in landing with less than the planned FRF. This is not an emergency situation but an indication that an emergency situation is possible, should any additional delay occur.

SAFE LANDING — final reserve fuel PROTECTION

(b) The protection of the FRF is intended to ensure that a safe landing is made at any aerodrome or operating site when unforeseen circumstances may not allow to safely complete the operation, as originally planned.

(c) When the FRF can no longer be protected, then a fuel emergency needs to be declared, as per point CAT.OP.MPA.195(d), and any landing option explored, including deviating from rules, operational procedures, and methods in the interest of safety (as per point CAT.GEN.MPA.105(b)).

(d) The ‘MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY FUEL’ declaration informs the ATC that all available landing options have been reduced to a specific landing site, and that an FRF portion may be consumed prior to landing.

Details

Source-Title: GM1 CAT.OP.MPA.195 Fuel/energy scheme -- in-flight fuel/energy management policy -- helicopters View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-19449 Compare versions

Domain: Air operations

Applicabilitydate: 30 October, 2022

Entryintoforcedate: 26 March, 2022

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2022/005/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-CAT

Typeofcontent: GM to IR (Guidance material to implementing rule)

Parentir: CAT.OP.MPA.195 Fuel/energy scheme - in-flight fuel/energy management policy - helicopters

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR