AIM Text
- Pilot.
- Advise ATC of your minimum fuel status when your fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, you cannot accept any undue delay.
- Be aware this is not an emergency situation, but merely an advisory that indicates an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur.
- On initial contact the term “minimum fuel” should be used after stating call sign.
- Be aware a minimum fuel advisory does not imply a need for traffic priority.
- If the remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for traffic priority to ensure a safe landing, you should declare an emergency due to low fuel and report fuel remaining in minutes.
- Controller.
- When an aircraft declares a state of minimum fuel, relay this information to the facility to whom control jurisdiction is transferred.
- Be alert for any occurrence which might delay the aircraft.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-5-15.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on the Minimum Fuel Advisory. It explains that a pilot advises ATC of minimum fuel when no undue delay can be accepted on reaching the destination. It is not an emergency and does not imply traffic priority; if priority is needed, the pilot declares a low-fuel emergency and reports fuel remaining in minutes.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Is declaring minimum fuel an emergency?
No. The AIM states a minimum fuel advisory is not an emergency situation, but merely an advisory indicating an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. It also does not imply a need for traffic priority.
How does a pilot communicate minimum fuel to ATC?
On initial contact, the term "minimum fuel" should be used after stating the call sign — for example, "Salt Lake Approach, United 621, minimum fuel." This advises ATC that upon reaching the destination, no undue delay can be accepted.
When should a pilot declare an emergency instead of advising minimum fuel?
Per the AIM, if the remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for traffic priority to ensure a safe landing, the pilot should declare an emergency due to low fuel and report fuel remaining in minutes.