What is the difference between the conditions for declaring 'MINIMUM FUEL' and declaring a fuel/energy emergency?

The 'MINIMUM FUEL' declaration is made when the pilot is committed to a specific aerodrome and any change to clearance or delays may result in landing with less than planned final reserve. A fuel/energy emergency is declared when the estimated usable fuel/energy upon landing at the nearest safe aerodrome is already less than the planned final reserve.

Does the regulation require the pilot-in-command to declare 'MINIMUM FUEL' for uncontrolled flights?

No, the requirement to declare 'MINIMUM FUEL' applies only to the pilot-in-command of a controlled flight.

NCO.OP.185 In-flight fuel/energy management

Q: Under what two conditions must the pilot-in-command of a controlled flight declare 'MINIMUM FUEL'?

The pilot-in-command must declare 'MINIMUM FUEL' when (1) committed to land at a specific aerodrome or operating site, and (2) calculated that any change to the existing clearance to that aerodrome or operating site, or other air traffic delays, may result in landing with less than the planned final reserve fuel/energy.

Q: What exact phrase is used to declare a fuel/energy emergency, and when must it be broadcast?

The pilot-in-command shall declare a situation of 'fuel/energy emergency' by broadcasting 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY FUEL' when the usable fuel/energy estimated to be available upon landing at the nearest aerodrome or operating site where a safe landing can be made is less than the planned final reserve fuel/energy.

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NCO.OP.185 In-flight fuel/energy management

Regulation (EU) 2021/1296

(a) The pilot-in-command shall monitor the amount of usable fuel/energy remaining on board to ensure that it is protected and not less than the fuel/energy that is required to proceed to an aerodrome or operating site where a safe landing can be made.

(b) The pilot-in-command of a controlled flight shall advise air traffic control (ATC) of a ‘minimum fuel/energy’ state by declaring ‘MINIMUM FUEL’ when the pilot-in-command has:

(1) committed to land at a specific aerodrome or operating site; and

(2) calculated that any change to the existing clearance to that aerodrome or operating site, or other air traffic delays, may result in landing with less than the planned final reserve fuel/energy.

(c) The pilot-in-command of a controlled flight shall declare a situation of ‘fuel/energy emergency’ by broadcasting ‘MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY FUEL’ when the usable fuel/energy estimated to be available upon landing at the nearest aerodrome or operating site where a safe landing can be made is less than the planned final reserve fuel/energy.

Details

Source-Title: NCO.OP.185 In-flight fuel/energy management View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-13729 Compare versions

Domain: Air operations

Applicabilitydate: 30 October, 2022

Entryintoforcedate: 25 August, 2021

Regulatorysource: Regulation (EU) 2021/1296 Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-NCO

Typeofcontent: IR (Implementing rule)

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR

NCO.OP.185 In-flight fuel/energy management

Details

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