Safety Spotlight

Fuel Management

No one expects or intends to run out of fuel in flight. And yet, in the United States alone, an average of nearly two accidents per week result from fuel exhaustion, starvation, or contamination. It can happen to you. Read on to learn more about avoiding these easily preventable accidents.

Resources

Fuel Management Accident Map

Fuel management accidents are among the most preventable types of GA mishaps, and yet pilots still manage to turn perfectly good airplanes into impromptu gliders at an alarming rate. This interactive, fully scalable, Google-based map plots the location of accidents caused by improper fuel management. Roll over the map's plot points to see accident details, then click the links for additional information from the ASI Accident Database. Check out the map today — so you don't end up on it tomorrow.

Do The Right Thing: Decision Making For Pilots Online Course

In flying, making the right choices isn't always easy. This course offers some simple but effective ways to improve your aeronautical decision making skills—no psychology degree required! (approx. 45-60 minutes)

Fuel Awareness Safety Advisor

There is much that pilots should know about fuel and fuel management. In this Safety Advisor, we'll discuss these subjects in detail to reduce your chances of having a fuel-related accident. (PDF file—319KB)

Misfueling Safety Brief

When we think about the risks associated with aviation fuel, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the possibility of a fuel exhaustion incident — an engine failure and subsequent forced landing. Running out of gas is not, however, the only fuel-related worry for pilots. Download it! (PDF file — 88KB)