In aviation terminology, there are a plethora of phrases which represent various terms across the industry. Two terms which may be encountered are “bingo” and “joker” fuel. These terms are regarded as informal and not recognised officially by authorities.
These phrases are mostly associated with military aviation, in which they had their origins. However, the phrases are commonly used in civil aviation, although they are discouraged.
Bingo Fuel Meaning
Bingo fuel is the amount of fuel in which an aircraft requires to safely land at an airport. While this term roughly indicates the minimum amount of fuel in which an aircraft can safely reach the airport, it is considered ambiguous and as a result should never be used when communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
This is because fuel emergencies can be declared based on several factors. This includes the calculated fuel reserves available along with time elements such as long holding times and diversions.
While an aircraft declaring a fuel emergency may be urgent and should be expedited to land, this does not necessarily mean the “bingo” fuel level has been reached.
The term “Minimum Fuel” refers to the aircraft entering fuel reserves level prior to landing. This does not equate to “Bingo Fuel”.
Aircraft fuel reserves are calculated based on several factors. This includes the alternate airports in relation to the destination, airport holding times and the fuel burn profile specific to the aircraft type.
Why is it Called Bingo Fuel?
The origins of the phrase “Bingo Fuel” originate from the United States military back in World War II. When a pilot’s fuel readings dropped to minimum fuel to return to the airport, “Bingo” would be said over radio communications.
In addition to this term, pilots during World War II would also determine airports known as “Bingo Field” before taking off. These airports were identified as the closest airports to land at in the event of a fuel shortage.
While the exact reason behind choosing the word bingo to convey this situation is unclear, it is generally accepted by military pilots that it was chosen because saying the word Bingo typically refers to the end of the game.
In a flight context, it indicated that it was time for the aircraft to land and subsequently terminate the flight.
What is Joker Fuel?
Joker fuel is a fuel value which is more than the bingo fuel level. Unlike bingo fuel where the aircraft has only the minimum fuel to land, joker fuel includes a reserves margin. It also considered a more calculated fuel value to that of bingo fuel.
Again, it is an informal phrase which dates back to the United States Air Force (USAF) during the World War II era.
Using Bingo and Joker Fuel to Calculate Fuel Reserves
Although the terms should never be referenced to when communicating with ATC, they can serve as a rough rule of thumb for calculating fuel requirements.
This is particularly true for general aviation operations, in which correct fuel management is a crucial element in the safe flight of the aircraft.
Incorrect fuel calculations have been identified as a common factor in fatal General Aviation (GA) accidents. This often leads to fuel starvation in aircraft, particularly in poor weather conditions.
The most important margin to be considered is the differential between bingo and joker fuel. This margin is typically the fuel reserve for the aircraft.
In aviation terminology, there are a plethora of phrases which represent various terms across the industry. Two terms which may be encountered are “bingo” and “joker” fuel. These terms are regarded as informal and not recognised officially by authorities.
These phrases are mostly associated with military aviation, in which they had their origins. However, the phrases are commonly used in civil aviation, although they are discouraged.
Bingo Fuel Meaning
Bingo fuel is the amount of fuel in which an aircraft requires to safely land at an airport. While this term roughly indicates the minimum amount of fuel in which an aircraft can safely reach the airport, it is considered ambiguous and as a result should never be used when communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
This is because fuel emergencies can be declared based on several factors. This includes the calculated fuel reserves available along with time elements such as long holding times and diversions.
While an aircraft declaring a fuel emergency may be urgent and should be expedited to land, this does not necessarily mean the “bingo” fuel level has been reached.
The term “Minimum Fuel” refers to the aircraft entering fuel reserves prior to landing, this is not equivalent to “Bingo Fuel”.
Aircraft fuel reserves are calculated based on several factors. This includes the alternate airports in relation to the destination, airport holding times and the fuel burn profile specific to the aircraft type.
Why is it Called Bingo Fuel?
The origins of the phrase “Bingo Fuel” originate from the United States military back in World War II. When a pilot’s fuel readings dropped to minimum fuel to return to the airport, “Bingo” would be said over radio communications.
In addition to this term, pilots during World War II would also determine airports known as “Bingo Field” before taking off. These airports were identified as the closest airports to land at in the event of a fuel shortage.
While the exact reason behind choosing the word bingo to convey this situation is unclear, it is generally accepted by military pilots that it was chosen because saying the word Bingo typically refers to the end of the game.
In a flight context, it indicated that it was time for the aircraft to land and subsequently terminate the flight.
What is Joker Fuel?
Joker fuel is a fuel value which is more than the bingo fuel level. Unlike bingo fuel where the aircraft has only the minimum fuel to land, joker fuel includes a reserves margin. It also considered a more calculated fuel value to that of bingo fuel.
Again, it is an informal phrase which dates back to the United States Air Force (USAF) during the World War II era.
Using Bingo and Joker Fuel to Calculate Fuel Reserves
Although the terms should never be referenced to when communicating with ATC, they can serve as a rough rule of thumb for calculating fuel requirements.
This is particularly true for general aviation operations, in which correct fuel management is a crucial element in the safe flight of the aircraft.
Incorrect fuel calculations have been identified as a common factor in fatal General Aviation (GA) accidents. This often leads to fuel starvation in aircraft, particularly in poor weather conditions.
The most important margin to be considered is the differential between bingo and joker fuel. This margin is typically the fuel reserve for the aircraft.
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This is an updated article. Originally posted on December 22, 2021 @ 5:34 pm
After visiting more than 60 countries, I have probably been on every type of plane there is and visited countless airports. I did my very first international solo trip to South Africa at the age of only 16 and haven’t really stopped traveling since.
Despite the adventurous travel itch, I do have a nerdy side as well – which is satisfied by writing about all things aviation “too boring” for my regular travel blog.