W-
I provided the link that defines min. fuel inflight
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviat.../info08004.pdf
here it is spelled out:
a. Minimum Fuel. [/B][/SIZE]
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and the Pilot/Controller Glossary both provide the following definition, which states that, Minimum Fuel: [/LEFT]
"Indicates that an aircraft’s fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching the destination, it can accept little or no delay. This is not an emergency situation but merely indicates an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur."
Yeah, if it's VMC or high IMC, burning into reserve should be okay.
Again it's a judgement call made in the moment, not by some journalist fishing for a story.