6 Fuel Policy, Flight Planning and Aerodrome Operating Criteria

Question 1

Pre-dispatch fuel required shall be the sum of ?

Answer 1

1. Taxi Fuel
2. Trip Fuel
3. Contingency Fuel
4. Holding Fuel (if required = Destination Traffic Fuel and/or Destination Weather Fuel)
5. Alternate Fuel (if required = Alternate Airport Fuel and/or Alternate Weather/Traffic Fuel)
6. Fixed Reserve
7. ETP Build-up (if required)
8. RCL Build-up (If required)
9. APU Fuel

Question 2

Trip fuel conists of ?

and what is the factor applied if there is no SID or STAR at the aerodromes

Answer 2

Fuel for

1. take-off,
2. SID,
3. climb,
4. cruise (including any
5. planned step climbs),
6. descent,
7. STAR and approach to destination.

Note: Where there is no published SID for the aerodrome of departure or no published STAR for the aerodrome of arrival, a fuel allowance equivalent to 5 miles for departure and 25 miles for arrival is provided.

Question 3

Contingency Fuel is calculated as ?

Answer 3

10% of the Trip Fuel

(it shall not be less than 200 kg or more than 20 minutes of the Trip Fuel)

Question 4

Contingency Fuel is reduced by the use of ?

Answer 4

An en route alternate/adequate airport, annotation will be made on the flight plan advising of the
airport(s) used.

Question 5

Destination Traffic Holding Fuel as advised by NOTAM and/or Jeppesen
Airway Manual will have what buffer applied to it ?

Answer 5

1. 30 minutes to the start times of published traffic holding.
2. No buffer will be applied at the end of a traffic holding period.

Where the buffer has an increased traffic holding requirement, the higher value will be applied.

Question 6

1. Destination Weather Holding Fuel will be added to the flight plan fuel based on ?
2. What can it also account for ?
3. When is it not requried ?

Answer 6

1. The latest available current meteorological forecast.
2. It will also account for a forecast RAIM outage within ± 30 minutes of the estimated time of arrival (ETA) if the flight is dispatched on the basis of RNP APCH capability being required at the destination (that is destinations that do not have a useable ground based radio navigation aid).
3. Destination Weather Holding Fuel to address a forecast RAIM outage or adverse weather need not be provided if a destination alternate is planned.

Question 7

When a destination alternate is planned, Alternate Fuel will consist of:

1. ??? % of Trip Fuel from the destination to the alternate; plus’
2. What manoeuvring fuel at the alternate; and,
3. What does this manouvering fuel account for ?

Answer 7

1. 110% of Trip Fuel from the destination to the alternate
2. 60 nm of manoeuvring fuel
3. The additional fuel burnt during the missed approach, departure from the destination, arrival and approach at the destination alternates.

Question 8

When will an alternate ALWAYS be planned irrespective of the aerodrome having an instrument approach or not ?

Answer 8

When the destination is not serviced by a TAF

Question 9

When a destination alternate is planned, fuel will be added to allow for what 3 things ?

Answer 9

1. Traffic Holding Fuel as advised by NOTAM and/or Jeppesen Airway Manual for the alternate
2. Weather Holding Fuel as required by the latest available current meteorological forecast for the alternate
3. Holding Fuel to account for a forecast RAIM outage at the alternate within ± 30 minutes of the ETA if the flight is dispatched on the basis of RNP APRCH capability being required (that is the alternate does not have useable ground based radio navigation aid)

Question 10

Fixed Reserve Fuel is calculated as:

1. XX minutes holding fuel ?
2. At XXXX ft above the destination ( or alternate if planned) ?
3. In a ?????? atmosphere ?
4. At what weight ?

Answer 10

1. 30 minutes holding fuel
2. At 1500 ft
3. In a STANDARD atmosphere
4. Zero fuel weight PLUS the weight of the Fixed Reserve itself.

Question 11

For a Non-EDTO (F100 Operations) ETP build-up is the amount of fuel required to

1. In what what 2 conditions ?
2. Proceed where ?
3. and do what ?

Answer 11

1. Suffer an engine failure or depressurisation, whichever results in the greater subsequent fuel requiement
2. Proceed to an adequate aerodrome
3. Allow for 15 minutes holding fuel at 1500 ft above the aerodrome in ISA conditions, and make an approach and landing

Question 12

A RCL (Re-clearance build up) is an amount of build-up fuel required to ensure that the aircraft has sufficient fuel to fly from the re-clearance waypoint to the greater of either:

Answer 12

1. The destination (and then alternate if required) and meet the pre-dispatch standard fuel requirements from that point onwards, or
2. The enroute alternate and meet the pre-dispatch standard fuel requirements

Question 13

APU Fuel is the fuel to account for APU fuel burn between ?

Answer 13

The completion of refuelling and the commencement of engine start

Question 14

A taxi allowance for a F100 is based on taxi times for the expected runway to be used but shall not be less than ?

Answer 14

100 kgs

Question 15

Additional Fuel is consisted added to ensure compliance with the Fuel Over Destination
requirements and may consist of what 2 types of fuel ?

Answer 15

1. Margin Fuel - Fuel added to ensure compliance with the Fuel Over Destination requirements
2. Tanker/Extra Fuel - Fuel added for tankering or extra fuel added by the Dispatcher.

When refuelling is not planned at the destination, an allowance for on ground operations is included in the tanker fuel.

Question 16

The planned difference between Take-off Fuel (TKOF) and the Trip Fuel (Trip) is the planned Fuel Over Destination (FOD) and:

1. Consists of what fuel planning elements; and,
2. should not be less than ?

Answer 16

1. FOD is the sum of :
2. Contingency, Holding,
3. Alternate,
4. Alternate Weather/Traffic,
5. Fixed Reserve,
6. ETP Build-up (if applicable); and,
7. Reclear Build-up (if applicable)
8. For planning purposes, is not “normally” less than 60 minutes fuel calculated at the FPM calculated holding rates.

Note - If aircraft weight and balance or payload issues exist the 60 minutes FOD can be reduced.

Question 17

What islands are destinated as remote islands in teh fuel policy and what does these require ?

Answer 17

1. Christmas Island (YPXM)
2. Cocos Island (YPCC)
3. Norfolk Island (YSNF)

Alternate Fuel will be provided for all operations planned to a remote island.

NOTE - The nominated alternate cannot itself be a remote island.

Question 18

Any SPECIAL FUEL requirement shall:

1. not be less than; and,
2. can only be adjusted following assessment and advice of ?

Answer 18

1. The fuel applicable to the aircraft type in accordance with Section 6.1.1 – Standard Fuel Requirements – Pre-Dispatch.
2. The Flight Operations Oversight Group (FOOG)

Question 19

Special minimum fuel requirements apply for which destinations ?

Answer 19

1. Barrow Island, Broome, Port Hedland, Onslow and Karratha (applicable from 1st April to 31st October, between the hours of 1400 and 2400 UTC)
2. All flights to Ravensthorpe (RVT/YNRV)
3. All International and Non Routine Flights

Question 20

What is the SPECIAL FUEL requirement on flights to:

Barrow Island, Broome, Port Hedland, Onslow and Karratha ?

Answer 20

It is applicable from 1st April to 31st October Due to the possibility of un-forecast sea fog, which are planning to arrive between the hours of 1400 and 2400 UTC, and they must carry:

1. An alternate which is not a port listed in this section unless the planned arrival at the alternate is after 2400 UTC; or,
2. Holding fuel to allow the aircraft to hold beyond 2400 UTC

Question 21

What is the SPECIAL FUEL on flights to:

Ravensthorpe (RVT/YNRV) ?

Answer 21

Any flight to Ravensthorpe, regardless of weather forecasts, must carry additional fuel to proceed to a suitable alternate.

Note - Esperance cannot be used as an alternate for Ravensthorpe

Question 22

What is the SPECIAL FUEL on:

International and Non Routine Flights and what is the only exemption to this requirement ?

Answer 22

All international flights will be planned and conducted in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Jeppesen Airways Manual – Entry Requirements.

All international flights may be required to carry a Company nominated alternate aerodrome, regardless of weather, navaid or lighting requirements. Where there are no regulatory alternate requirements for the destination aerodrome, an additional 60 minutes holding must be
planned for arrival over the destination aerodrome.

The only exemption to these requirements is ferry flights which are subject to a separate risk assessment.

Question 23

If the Final ZFW shown in the load application is GREATER than the EZFW shown on the OFP, it is necessary to recalculate the increase to the Min Required Fuel as per below:

1. Final ZFW ≤ 1000 kg than the OFP EZFW
2. Final ZFW > 1000 kg than the OFP EZFW

Answer 23

1. Add Delta Burn plus 50 kg (50 kg includes adjustment to TRFC holding, FXD RES, and WX holding up to 60 minutes) to the Min Fuel amount
2. Contact VAA Flight Dispatch who will re-calculate the fuel figures. This is to be notated in the CORRECTED column in the fuel field of the OFP. It is pilot discretion as to whether a reissue of the flight plan is required.

Question 24

Once airborne, the amount of fuel on board the aircraft at any point inflight should not be less than ?

Answer 24

1. Fuel required to enable the aircraft to fly from that point to 1500 ft above an adequate aerodrome, make an approach and landing;
2. 10% Contingency based on the above
3. Fixed Reserve;

and if required,

1. Weather Holding or an alternate if the weather at the selected adequate aerodrome is forecast to be below the applicable alternate minima or a probability of thunderstorms is forecast;
2. Traffic holding at the selected adequate aerodrome

Question 25

For the purpose of in-flight replanning the following allowances should be used to determine inflight fuel requirements where the OFP does not cover the situation;

1. Point of diversion to 1500’ above an adequate aerodrome ?
2. Carrying out a STAR to the point of an Approach and Landing ?
3. Approach and Landing where its a straight in visual/instrument approach (or visual circuit) ?
4. Approach and Landing where an extended approach is planned ?
5. Missed Approach to 1500’ ?
6. APU use on the ground ?
7. APU use in flight (Generator ON) ?

Answer 25

1. Calculate the specific ground range (SGR) for the route to be flown, using observed ground speed and fuel flow values, or use approved flight planning data contained with the AOM. The fuel req’d from either of the above should be checked for reasonableness with the FMS.
2. 220 kgs
3. 160 kgs
4. 310 kgs (Straight in fuel PLUS 150 kgs)
5. 210 kgs
6. 90 kg/hr
7. R APU = 75 kg/hr, RR APU = 90 kg/hr

Question 26

If sufficient fuel does not remain on board at the PNR to allow continued flight to the destination in accordance with the In Flight Fuel Requirements what must the PIC do ?

Answer 26

Carry out a diversion shall be made to an aerodrome which satisfies the In Flight Fuel Requirements.

Question 27

For sectors where fuel has not been uplifted i.e. tanker sectors, what is permitted with respected to the cost index entered into the FMS ?

Answer 27

The CI from the sector where fuel was last uplifted can be used.

HOWEVER

To ensure min fuel is intact, crew should initially enter the Flight Plan cost index and only adjust once it can be confirmed the adjusted CI will maintain min fuel requirements.

Question 28

In flight, if the flight is planned to arrive on time or early how can the CI be varied if :

1. Early <= 5 mins ?
2. Early > 5 mins ?
3. On Time ?

Answer 28

1. Early <= 5 mins = Continue at OFP CI
2. Early > 5 mins = Reduce Speed to arrive on-time but do not reduce below LRC
3. On Time = Use OFP CI

Note - Do not reduce speed if the reduced speed places the ETA within a period that requires extra fuel for weather or ATC holding

Question 29

In flight, if the flight is planned to arrive late and:

1. The duty time IS critical ?

The duty time IS NOT critical and the flight is:

1. Late by
2. Late by
3. Late by >= 15 mins and increasing the speed WILL bring the ETA within 15 mins of the scheduled ETA ?
4. Late by >= 15 mins and increasing the speed WILL NOT bring the ETA within 15 mins of the scheduled ETA ?

Answer 29

1. The flight is late and the duty time IS critical = Use the lowest CI that will arrive within duty limits
2. The flight is late by Increase CI to arrive at a time to allow the next departure to depart on time.
3. The flight is late by Use OFP CI
4. The flight is late by >= 15 mins, the duty time IS NOT critical and increasing the speed WILL bring the ETA within 15 mins of the scheduled ETA = Use the lowest CI that will acheive this.
5. The flight is late by >= 15 mins, the duty time IS NOT critical and increasing the speed WILL NOT bring the ETA within 15 mins of the scheduled ETA = USE OFP CI and accept late arrival

Note - Where the CI is increased it should not be increased to > CI40

Question 30

What are the 3 key responsibilities of VA Flight Dispatch in relation to planning VARA flights?

Answer 30

1. Filing an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan for each flight
2. That the aircraft shall be planned in controlled airspace, where possible.
3. When operating in noncontrolled airspace cannot be avoided, the flight is to be planned with minimum exposure to non-controlled airspace.

Question 31

In support of the preparation of the OFP, Flight Dispatch is also provide what additional support ?

Answer 31

1. The acquisition, collation and evaluation of NOTAM, meteorological and other operational information
2. The evaluation of navigational, meteorological, aircraft performance and flight planning related operational factors specifically associated with the dispatch and continuation of Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) flights,
3. The provision of verbal pre-flight briefings and briefing updates to the Flight Crew of individual flights (upon request), to supplement the standard briefing documentation

Question 32

Flight Dispatch will treat a TAF3 as though it were a TAF except where ?

Answer 32

The initial flight plan requires a reduction in payload and a payload benefit can be
obtained, the Dispatcher will apply TAF3 rules during the first 3 hours of
TAF3 validity.

Question 33

For NOTAMs which may affect aircraft performance, such as temporary cranes, obstacles or change to RWY declared distances, a remark can appear where ?

Answer 33

A remark can be appended immediately below the applicatble NOTAM.

This means the NOTAM has been considered.

Question 34

The Flight Plan delivery process for domestic flights is as follows:

1. ETD -90 minutes ?
2. ETD -90 minutes to -60 minutes ?
3. No later than ETD -60 ?
4. No later than ETD -40 (ex-Perth) ?
5. No later than ETD -35 (or doors open) ?

Answer 34

1. ETD -90 minutes: Flight dispatch receives the latest EZFW from VARA Central Operations
2. ETD -90 minutes to -60 minutes: Flight dispatch creates the flight plan package, comprising the release message, flight plan, weather briefing, SIGWX charts and NOTAM briefing is compiled
3. No later than ETD -60: the flight plan package is made available to the captain (via the flight planning page) who provides the fuel uplift to AMCO (see Ordering Fuel/Stay Hooked policy)
4. No later than ETD -40: (ex Perth) the flight plan package will be available at the gate or service counter
5. No later than ETD -35 (or doors open): gate staff/agent delivers flight plan package to aircraft

Question 35

Where a MEL limitation is applied to the flight plan what will be included in the dispatch message ?

Answer 35

A ‘Dispatch Remark’ will be included in the dispatch message.

Note - Should an OFP be produced without consideration of an MEL that affects flight planning (due to last minute application or removal of an MEL after the flight plan has been produced), it is the Flight Crews responsibility to liaise with VA Dispatch to obtain a revised flight plan that reflects the MEL status of the aircraft (both in Perth and at an Outport).

Question 36

Flight Crew should call Flight Dispatch on the phone number provided on
the flight plan for any of the following 5 reasons ?

Answer 36

1. All flight planning queries
2. To obtain weather and NOTAM briefings during outages
3. To obtain fuel figures and ATC filed route should an outport not be able to produce a flight plan
4. In the event the Final ZFW exceeds the EZFW as per policy
5. To confirm receipt of new flight plan details

Question 37

Airservices Australia requires a change to Estimated Time of Departure
(ETD) anytime a delay is expected to exceed ?

Answer 37

30 minutes (notified to ATS)

Note - Delay Message (DLA) message shall be sent to all
addressees of the associated flight plan message

Question 38

Where aircraft weight limitations dictate that a reduction in load is
required, the Pilot in Command will advise AMCO/GHA/Central
Operations who will then offload in accordance with ?

Answer 38

Volume A5.3 Guest Services Procedures Manual

Question 39

For guidance or additional specific information in relation to weather
affecting the scheduled flight, Flight Crew should contact ?

Answer 39

1. VA Dispatch
2. VARA OCC
3. Duty Pilot Manager

Question 40

Some Australian aerodromes have Special Alternate Minima applicable to
aircraft equipped with dual ILS/VOR approach capability. Where Special
Alternate Minima is published, this can be applied to ?

Answer 40

VARA flying operations for planning purposes

Question 41

A Departure Alternate aerodrome is required whenever ?

Answer 41

the weather at the departure aerodrome is below the lowest published landing minima for the
runway in use at planned take-off time or for other operational reasons
where the departure aerodrome is not available for landing.

Question 42

The Departure Alternate aerodrome must be within 60 minutes of the
Departure Aerodrome using WHAT Company approved distance
calculated at OEI cruising speed:

Answer 42

F100 – 345 nm
A320 – 430 nm

Question 43

1. Aerodromes classified as WHAT can be nominated as Departure Alternates ?
2. What is the order that shall be given to them in relation to priority ?
3. The weather forecast for the Departure Alternate Aerodrome must be
   above the applicable landing minima for the most suitable instrument
   approach within + OR - XX mins of the ETA ?

Answer 43

1. Aerodromes classified as Primary, Alternate or Adequate Aerodromes may be nominated as Departure Alternates.
2. Priority shall be given to Primary Aerodromes, Alternate then Adequate aerodromes.
3. 30 Mins

Question 44

A destination alternate aerodrome is required any time a flight to an
aerodrome with a curfew has an ETD such that either (2 reasons) ?

Answer 44

1. The landing time is within 20 minutes of the curfew
2. The land time plus traffic holding plus weather holding impinges curfew