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

ENSURING A SAFE LANDING FOR COMPLEX MOTOR-POWERED HELICOPTERS IN OTHER THAN LOCAL OPERATIONS The operator should base in-flight fuel management procedures on the following criteria:

(a)in-flight fuel checks:

(1)the commander should establish a procedure to ensure that in-flight fuel checks are carried out at regular intervals; the remaining usable fuel should be recorded and evaluated to:

(i)compare the actual consumption with the planned consumption;

(ii)check that the remaining usable fuel is sufficient to complete the flight; and

(iii)determine the usable fuel that is expected to remain upon landing at the destination; and

(2)the relevant fuel data should be recorded;

(b)in-flight fuel management:

(1)if an in-flight fuel check shows that the usable fuel that is expected to remain upon landing at the destination is less than the required alternate fuel plus the FRF, the commander should:

(i)divert; or

(ii)replan the flight in accordance with point SPA.HOFO.120(b)(1) unless the commander considers it safer to proceed to the destination; and

(2)at an onshore destination, when two suitable, separate touchdown and lift-off areas are available at the destination, and the expected weather conditions at the destination are as specified for planning in point CAT.OP.MPA.245(a)(2), the commander may permit alternate fuel to be used before landing at the destination; and

(c)if an in-flight fuel check on a flight to an isolated destination shows that the usable fuel expected to remain at the point of the last possible diversion is less than the sum of the following:

(1)trip fuel from the point of the last possible diversion to the destination isolated aerodrome;

(2)contingency fuel; and

(3)FRF, or the additional fuel required for isolated aerodromes, the commander should either divert or proceed to the destination, provided that at onshore destinations, two suitable, separate touchdown and lift-off areas are available at the destination, and the expected weather conditions at the destination are as specified for planning in point CAT.OP.MPA.245(a).

‘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.