EASA refines fuel-carriage rules to take advantage of better risk analysis

Aircraft operators will be permitted to reduce the amount of fuel they carry during flight operations, under new rules put forward by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Carriage of fuel beyond that specifically required for the trip from origin to destination is governed by regulations over contingencies, such as air traffic control delays or the need to divert to an alternate airport. But there is a weight penalty for this contingency fuel which – even if the fuel is unused – ultimately results in a higher burn, and higher carbon dioxide emissions, for the trip. EASA’s measures, which comprise three different fuel schemes, will enter into effect on 30 October this year. They are intended to cut emissions by optimising the fuel on board without sacrificing safety levels. “More flexibility is given to commercial air transport operators through the introduction of the ‘fuel schemes’ concept,” says EASA in a formal decision notification. It adds that the amended rules will also clarify and simplify requirements for helicopter fuel planning.<br/>