AIM Text
- Should it become necessary to dump fuel, the pilot should immediately advise ATC. Upon receipt of information that an aircraft will dump fuel, ATC will broadcast or cause to be broadcast immediately and every 3 minutes thereafter the following on appropriate ATC and FSS radio frequencies:
- Upon receipt of such a broadcast, pilots of aircraft affected, which are not on IFR flight plans or special VFR clearances, should clear the area specified in the advisory. Aircraft on IFR flight plans or special VFR clearances will be provided specific separation by ATC. At the termination of the fuel dumping operation, pilots should advise ATC. Upon receipt of such information, ATC will issue, on the appropriate frequencies, the following:
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 6-3-5.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on fuel dumping. It tells a pilot who must dump fuel to immediately advise ATC, which then broadcasts a fuel-dumping advisory every 3 minutes on appropriate ATC and FSS frequencies, and explains how affected aircraft and IFR/special VFR traffic are separated.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What should I do before dumping fuel?
The AIM advises that should it become necessary to dump fuel, the pilot should immediately advise ATC, which then broadcasts a fuel-dumping advisory and provides separation for affected traffic.
How often does ATC broadcast a fuel-dumping advisory?
What do other pilots do when they hear a fuel-dumping broadcast?
Pilots of affected aircraft not on IFR flight plans or special VFR clearances should clear the area specified in the advisory. Aircraft on IFR flight plans or special VFR clearances will be provided specific separation by ATC.