NCO.OP.125 "Fuel scheme" (Reg. (EU) No 965/2012, Part-NCO) sets the minimum fuel quantities for non-commercial operations with non-complex aircraft.
Rule (NCO.OP.125)
The PIC shall ensure that enough usable fuel is carried on board to fly:
- To the planned destination aerodrome, and
- Thereafter for at least:
- 30 minutes at normal cruising altitude — for VFR day
- 45 minutes at normal cruising altitude — for VFR night
(IFR requirements are more complex including alternate + contingency — at PPL level awareness is sufficient.)
Recommended fuel-planning structure
Although Part-NCO sets only the minimum, experienced PPL pilots plan with structure:
| Component | Purpose | Typical magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi fuel | Ground operations, run-up, waiting | 10–15 min idle |
| Trip fuel | Take-off roll start to landing at destination (or alternate if planned) | Compute from planned TAS, leg time, cruise fuel flow |
| Contingency fuel | Reserve for route deviation, weather change, power change | Typically 5 % of trip fuel (operator discretion at PPL level) |
| Alternate fuel | If alternate planned: destination to alternate | Same calculation as trip fuel |
| Final reserve | 30 min VFR day / 45 min VFR night at normal cruise power | NCO.OP.125 minimum |
| Block fuel | Sum of above — onboard before engine start | Confirm on gauges and visually |
In-flight fuel monitoring
- At each checkpoint: read Fuel on Board (FOB) and compare against PLOG.
- Deviation > expected consumption: investigate (different wind? higher power setting? leak?)
- Never break the final reserve — if imminent: divert, advise ATC, declare emergency if needed (Minimum Fuel / Mayday Fuel).
"Minimum Fuel" and "Mayday Fuel"
- "Minimum Fuel" — advisory to ATC that any delay would dip into final reserve. Not an emergency.
- "Mayday Fuel" — emergency: calculated fuel on board will fall below final reserve. Emergency, priority handling!