Originally Posted by 2StgTurbine

We have 2. 4,000 lbs for a 900ER and 3,600 for the 800 (but actually that is variable and changes based on the flight plan).



No, the instructor did not have a point. 6,000 lbs is way more than 45 minutes. Personally, I don't like teaching "rules of thumb" as understanding the variables that affect actual fuel burns is more beneficial. Teaching 6.0 as the magic fuel number will cause people to treat time events as no-time events. I heard of a 737 flight that diverted to PHOG on its way into HNL because they were going to land with 5.0 if they continued to HNL. It's kind of silly to divert to an airport that is 2 minutes closer when you have more than FAR fuel reserves.

As I told the instructor, my minimum fuel load depends on the flight and can't be reduced to a single number I use all the time. The FAA already did that and came up with 45 minutes. THAT is the starting point. Feel free to add to that number for the actual conditions of the flight. I would rather Delta teach pilots to have reasons rather than a random number. Where do you think you will need that extra fuel? Before takeoff, in cruise, approach, or a possible go around and diversion? Extra time/options in those areas can all lead to different fuel numbers or even a different strategy than simply adding more fuel.