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HOW MUCH FUEL SHOULD AN AIRCRAFT CARRY FOR THE TRIP? Explained

HOW MUCH FUEL SHOULD AN AIRCRAFT CARRY FOR THE TRIP? Explained

Have You Ever ‘Wondered?’ HOW MUCH FUEL DO AIRCRAFT NEED TO Carry? HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH FUEL? well here is the answer for that.

Regulators such as EASA and the FAA specify the minimum amount of fuel that a passenger jet must carry. Airlines
are required to carry significantly more fuel for a flight than is required to get from point A to point B in
case of an unexpected event such as an airport closure or aircraft emergency. Commercial flights typically carry
at least one hour’s worth of extra fuel on top of what is required to get to their destination, but this is
frequently increased by the pilots depending on the day’s circumstances.

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Airlines must adhere to regulatory requirements when transporting fuel. The majority of government policies are
broadly similar and are detailed in each airline’s operating manual. According to EASA regulations (which are
very similar to those of the FAA and other authorities), the Captain must ensure that he has the following
minimum fuel before departure:

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1. Travel Fuel
2. If a flight is planned with no alternate, divert fuel or hold fuel for 15 minutes.
3. Fuel Reserve
4. Emergency Fuel
5. Taxi fuel
6. Additional Fuel

Lets discuss each fuel and its usage.

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1. Trip fuel
Fuel required from takeoff to touchdown, assuming departure on the SID from the assumed runway and arrival using
the STAR for the assumed arrival runway and routing based on the forecast wind.<break time=’2s’/>

2. Diversion Fuel

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Fuel consumed during the go-around at the destination, as well as the climb, cruise, descent, approach, and
landing at the alternate airport of choice. Normally, this is calculated as the planned landing weight minus the
contingency fuel.

If no alternate flight is planned, the diversion fuel figure must be replaced by 15 minutes of holding fuel at
1500 feet above the destination airfield in standard conditions.

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3.  Reserve Fuel
Is there a minimum amount of fuel that must be present in tanks at the alternate airfield? (or destination if no
planned alternate). The figure is based on 30 minutes of fuel holding at 1500 feet in a clean configuration with
a planned landing weight.

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4. Contingency Fuel
This is done to account for unanticipated deviations from the planned operation. For example, different winds or
temperatures than predicted, or ATC restrictions on levels and speed. It can be used at any time after delivery
(once aircraft moves under its own power). It cannot be planned to be used previously. It is more likely to be
used for flight or arrival delays.

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Facts Pilots Don’t Want You To Know…!!

5. Taxi Fuel
This is fuel for the APU to burn on the ground, start the engine, and taxi out. Most airlines calculate this
using statistical data and the taxi time in minutes.

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Airbus concludes ATTOL with fully autonomous flight tests

6. Additional Fuel
If the existing total fuel is insufficient to cover an engine failure or de-pressurization at the most critical
point along the route, additional fuel is planned and loaded. Fuel planning must allow for a descent and trip
fuel to an alternate airfield, a 15-minute hold at 1500 feet, and an approach and landing.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

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Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

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On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

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One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

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China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

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The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

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To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

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Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

EASA Proposes AD for Airbus A380 Wing Rib Foot Cracks

In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

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The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

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Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.

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