Reduced Contingency Fuel Procedure

What is Contingency Fuel?

Contingency fuel is the amount of fuel required to compensate for unforeseen circumstances, such as weather deviations, air traffic control delays, or other operational disruptions. You a required to carry a fixed amount of contingency fuel, which was calculated based on a percentage of the trip fuel or a predetermined value.

The RCF procedure, introduced by EASA, allows pilots to carry a reduced amount of contingency fuel, provided that certain conditions are met. This procedure is based on the availability of accurate and up-to-date meteorological information, as well as the availability of suitable alternate aerodromes along the route.

To apply the RCF procedure, the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. Accurate Meteorological Information: The operator must have access to accurate and up-to-date meteorological information, including wind and temperature forecasts, for the planned route and alternate aerodromes.
2. Suitable Alternate Aerodromes: There must be suitable alternate aerodromes available along the route, taking into account the weather conditions, aircraft performance, and operational requirements.
3. Fuel Policy and Procedures: The operator must have established fuel policies and procedures that incorporate the RCF procedure. These policies and procedures should be approved by the competent authority (EASA) and ensure that the flight can be conducted safely with the reduced contingency fuel.

If these conditions are met, you can carry a reduced amount of contingency fuel, typically calculated based on the specific flight plan and the operator's approved fuel policy.

1. Fuel Savings: By carrying a reduced amount of contingency fuel, aircraft can operate with less weight, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.
2. Environmental Impact: Reduced fuel consumption translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry.
3. Operational Flexibility: With accurate meteorological information and suitable alternate aerodromes, pilots have increased operational flexibility to manage unforeseen circumstances more effectively.

If the operator’s fuel policy includes pre-flight planning to:

Destination 1 Aerodrome:  Commercial destination with an RCF procedure using a decision point along the route.

Destination 2 Aerodrome:  Optional refueling destination.

The amount in the pre-flight calculation of the required usable fuel should be greater than the sum in points (d)(1) or (d)(2):

(d)(1) The sum of:

• (i) Taxi fuel.
• (ii) Trip fuel to the destination 1 aerodrome via the decision point.
• (iii) Contingency fuel equal to not less than 5% of the fuel that is estimated to be consumed from the decision point to the destination 1 aerodrome.
• (iv) The amount of fuel specified in AMC2 CAT.OP.MPA.182: destination 1 alternate fuel or no alternate fuel if the remaining flying time from the decision point to destination 1 aerodrome is less than 6 hours.
• (v) FRF.
• (vi) Additional fuel.
• (vii) Extra fuel if there are anticipated delays or specific operational constraints.
• (viii) Discretionary fuel, if required by the commander.

(d)(2) The sum of:

• (i) Taxi fuel.
• (ii) Trip fuel to the destination 2 aerodrome via the decision point.
• (iii) Contingency fuel equal to not less than the amount that is calculated in accordance with point (c) of this AMC, from the departure aerodrome to the destination 2 aerodrome.
• (iv) Alternate fuel if a destination 2 alternate aerodrome is required.
• (v) FRF.
• (vi) Additional fuel.
• (vii) Extra fuel if there are anticipated delays or specific operational constraints.
• (viii) Discretionary fuel, if required by the commander.