A-91-035
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
REQUIRE THAT TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUALS INCLUDE PROCEDURES SPECIFYING MINIMUM FUEL VALUES FOR VARIOUS PHASES OF AIRLINE FLIGHTS AT WHICH A LANDING SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED AND WHEN EMERGENCY HANDLING BY ATC SHOULD BE REQUESTED. THE MANUAL REQUIREMENT AND ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS TO REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES SHOULD INCLUDE CRITERIA FOR WHEN ATC MUST BE NOTIFIED THAT THE AIRPLANE MUST BE EN ROUTE TO ITS DESTINATION OR ALTERNATE AIRPORT VIA ROUTINE HANDLING, AND WHEN EMERGENCY HANDLING IS REQUIRED.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
This recommendation urges the FAA to require airlines to clearly define specific fuel levels in their flight manuals that trigger mandatory landing procedures. It aims to establish distinct criteria for when air traffic control must be notified of an emergency versus routine transit needs, ensuring pilots know exactly when they are running low on fuel and must prioritize reaching a destination or alternate airport immediately.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Unacceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 6, 1993 |
| NTSB number | DCA90MA019 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).