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AI.II.I.R6FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management

Fuel planning.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Fuel planning.

Bottom line

Carrying enough fuel with a sufficient reserve reduces the likelihood of a low-fuel emergency or a forced landing. When estimating consumption you must plan for cruise flight as well as startup and taxi, and higher fuel burn during climb. If fuel quantity is lower than expected on a cross-country flight, the priority can shift from making a scheduled arrival time at the destination, to locating a nearby airport to refuel.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-21) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  3. AIH ch. 1 (pp. 1-19–1-20) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  4. 14 CFR 91.151 (Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  5. AIM 5-5-15 (Minimum Fuel Advisory) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  6. PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-12) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  7. RMH ch. 5 (p. 5-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  8. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  9. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-25) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  10. 14 CFR 91.167 (Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  11. PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-34) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  12. AIH ch. 1 (p. 1-5) — FAA-H-8083-9B
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