An air carrier aircraft was given holding and some delaying vectors while on the descent to JFK. An emergency was not declared because an expedited clearance was given after a minimum fuel declaration was stated.
Synopsis
An air carrier aircraft was given holding and some delaying vectors while on the descent to JFK. An emergency was not declared because an expedited clearance was given after a minimum fuel declaration was stated.
Narrative
We ground held for 20 minutes due to weather on northern departure routes -- shut one engine down to save fuel. After takeoff we were given detouring vectors for weather then sequencing vectors for JFK enroute. We approached the terminal area down 1;200 LBS of fuel. JFK weather VFR; no alternate required. At 50-60 miles from landing; we got holding instructions for CAMRN intersection with an EFC of XB:00Z. We enter the hold at XA:32 with 6;200 LBS of fuel. On the outbound leg we determine that holding until the EFC is not an option and check LGA; EWR and PHL weather. All are VFR but New York is closer so we plan to land at JFK or divert to LGA or EWR. I declare minimum fuel on the inbound leg and contact dispatch about a possible divert. When I return to the frequency; we were cleared towards JFK on abut a 35 mile base leg for Runway 31R. At about 10 miles out on final; the Controller gives us vectors out of the pattern for an inbound emergency aircraft. I re-state minimum fuel and the Controller wants to know how much fuel we have onboard and if we are able to divert to our alternate. I state unable to divert; and 42 minutes of fuel remaining. He re-clears us for the visual approach to Runway 31R; we land uneventfully; and we block in with 4;300 LBS of fuel. Although prepared to; at no time did we declare an emergency; nor did ATC request one. Perhaps I should have declared an emergency at CAMRN to avoid confusion on short final.
Second reporter narrative
After discussion with Captain; it was decided that we had fuel for only 2 turns in hold. We advised NY Approach of impending fuel situation. Coordinating with dispatch; a diversion to PHL or EWR was discussed. Upon beginning our second turn in holding; we declared 'minimum fuel.' At that time we had 6.2 LBS onboard. NY Approach shortly cleared us to JFK. At 3000 FT AGL and on 8 MI final for Runway 31R; NY Approach issued us a turn off the localizer to 'spin' us due to an emergency aircraft behind us. At this point we advised them that we would need to turn around immediately for a landing at JFK. NY Approach asked if we were 'beyond the point of diverting to an alternate.' We said; 'yes.'
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.