Fuel Dumping Procedures

AIM ¶ 6-3-5 — Fuel Dumping Procedures

AIM 6-3-5 fuel dumping procedures: ATC notification, broadcast format, separation rules, and pilot responsibilities. Study guide for checkride prep.

In Plain English

AIM 6-3-5 explains what to do when an aircraft needs to dump fuel in flight — typically to reduce weight before an emergency landing. This is a recommended procedure (the AIM is informational, not regulatory).

Key points:

The pilot must immediately advise ATC when fuel dumping becomes necessary.
ATC will broadcast a warning immediately and every 3 minutes on appropriate ATC and FSS frequencies, stating the location, altitude, aircraft type, and flight direction of the dumping aircraft.
Pilots not on IFR or Special VFR clearances who hear the broadcast should clear the area specified.
Aircraft on IFR flight plans or Special VFR clearances receive specific separation from ATC — they don't need to self-deviate.
At the end of the operation, the pilot tells ATC, who then broadcasts that fuel dumping has terminated.

Why it matters: dumped fuel can ingest into engines, damage paint, and create fire/health hazards. Knowing the broadcast and your responsibility to clear the area is a basic airmanship and safety expectation.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 6-3-5

Should it become necessary to dump fuel, the pilot should immediately advise ATC. Upon receipt of information that an aircraft will dump fuel, ATC will broadcast or cause to be broadcast immediately and every 3 minutes thereafter the following on appropriate ATC and FSS radio frequencies: Upon receipt of such a broadcast, pilots of aircraft affected, which are not on IFR flight plans or special VFR clearances, should clear the area specified in the advisory. Aircraft on IFR flight plans or special VFR clearances will be provided specific separation by ATC. At the termination of the fuel dumping operation, pilots should advise ATC. Upon receipt of such information, ATC will issue, on the appropriate frequencies, the following: Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.

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1/5

You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

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PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1If you need to dump fuel, what is your first action and what will ATC do?

Per AIM 6-3-5, the pilot should immediately advise ATC. Upon receipt, ATC will broadcast — immediately and every 3 minutes thereafter — a warning on appropriate ATC and FSS frequencies stating the location, altitude, aircraft type, and flight direction of the dumping aircraft.

Q2You hear a fuel dumping advisory while flying VFR with no special clearance. What should you do?

Per AIM 6-3-5, pilots not on an IFR flight plan or Special VFR clearance should clear the area specified in the advisory. Aircraft on IFR or Special VFR clearances will instead be provided specific separation by ATC.

Q3What must the pilot do when fuel dumping is complete?

Per AIM 6-3-5, the pilot should advise ATC at the termination of the fuel dumping operation. ATC will then broadcast on appropriate frequencies that fuel dumping by the aircraft type has terminated.

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 6

¶ 6-3-1

Distress and Urgency Communications

¶ 6-3-2

Obtaining Emergency Assistance

¶ 6-3-3

Aircraft Ditching Procedures

¶ 6-3-4

Special Emergency Air Piracy