Minimum Fuel Advisory

AIM ¶ 5-5-15 — Minimum Fuel Advisory

AIM 5-5-15 explains the minimum fuel advisory: when to declare it, the phraseology, and how it differs from a low-fuel emergency. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

A minimum fuel advisory is your way of telling ATC that your fuel state is low enough that any undue delay at your destination could create a problem. It's important to understand:

It is not an emergency declaration — it's an advisory that an emergency could develop if you're delayed.
It does not entitle you to traffic priority.
On initial contact, state your call sign followed by the words "minimum fuel."
- Example: "Salt Lake Approach, United 621, minimum fuel."

If your remaining usable fuel is low enough that you actually need priority handling to land safely, don't stop at an advisory — declare an emergency due to low fuel and report fuel remaining in minutes (see Pilot/Controller Glossary, Fuel Remaining).

Controllers receiving a minimum fuel advisory must relay the information to the next controlling facility and stay alert for anything that might delay the aircraft. Knowing the distinction between an advisory and an emergency helps you make the right call before fuel becomes critical.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-5-15

5-5-15. 5-5-15. Minimum Fuel Advisory Pilot. Advise ATC of your minimum fuel status when your fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, you cannot accept any undue delay. Be aware this is not an emergency situation, but merely an advisory that indicates an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. On initial contact the term “minimum fuel” should be used after stating call sign. EXAMPLE- Salt Lake Approach, United 621, “minimum fuel.” Be aware a minimum fuel advisory does not imply a need for traffic priority. If the remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for traffic priority to ensure a safe landing, you should declare an emergency due to low fuel and report fuel remaining in minutes. REFERENCE- Pilot/Controller Glossary Term- Fuel Remaining. Controller. When an aircraft declares a state of minimum fuel, relay this information to the facility to whom control jurisdiction is transferred. Be alert for any occurrence which might delay the aircraft.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is a minimum fuel advisory and when should you declare one?

Per AIM 5-5-15, a minimum fuel advisory is given to ATC when your fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, you cannot accept any undue delay. It is not an emergency, but an advisory that an emergency situation is possible if delays occur.

Q2Does declaring minimum fuel entitle you to traffic priority? If not, what should you do if you need priority?

Per AIM 5-5-15, a minimum fuel advisory does not imply a need for traffic priority. If your remaining usable fuel suggests you need priority handling to ensure a safe landing, you should declare an emergency due to low fuel and report fuel remaining in minutes.

Q3What is the proper phraseology for advising ATC of minimum fuel?

Per AIM 5-5-15, on initial contact the term 'minimum fuel' should be used after stating your call sign — for example: 'Salt Lake Approach, United 621, minimum fuel.'

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-5-1

Pilot/Controller Responsibilities