Minimum Fuel

Minimum fuel is a non-emergency advisory to ATC indicating that the aircraft’s fuel state is such that any ATC-imposed delay will result in a fuel emergency before destination. It is not a distress declaration — it is a warning that fuel is critically low and the aircraft needs priority handling to avoid an emergency.

Minimum Fuel vs. Mayday

• Minimum fuel: “I need priority handling or I’ll have a fuel emergency.” ATC will expedite but this is not an emergency declaration. No formal SAR is initiated.
• Mayday (fuel): Fuel is so low that safe landing at destination is doubtful — an emergency already exists. Full distress procedures apply.

Declaring Minimum Fuel

Simply advise ATC: “[Callsign], minimum fuel.” State this clearly and promptly — not when you’re already in the emergency. ATC will then provide expedited handling. If fuel situation deteriorates after declaring minimum fuel, upgrade to Mayday immediately.

Related Terms

See also: Mayday, Fuel Remaining, Alternate Aerodrome.