AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 207
Chapter 14
FUEL PLANNING AND CONSERVATION
14.1. General. This chapter is designed to assist pilots, navigators, and planners in fuel
planning airland and airdrop missions, with or without low-level segments. A fuel plan is
required for all flights except local area training flights with established standard fuel loads. The
CFPS Computer Flight Plan (CFP) and TO 1C-130xx-1-1 are the primary preflight references.
Missions should be planned at altitudes, routes, and airspeeds to minimize fuel usage.
14.2. Fuel Conservation. Air Force policy is to conserve aviation fuel when it does not
adversely affect training, flight safety, or operational readiness. Aircrew and mission planners
will manage aviation fuel as a limited commodity and precious resource. Fuel optimization will
be considered throughout all phases of mission planning and execution. Comply with the
following whenever consistent with tech order guidance and safety:
14.2.1. Fuel Loads. Excessive ramp and recovery fuel adds to aircraft gross weight and
increases fuel consumption. Do not ferry extra fuel beyond optimum requirements for safe
mission accomplishment and training objectives.
14.2.2. Flight Planning. Aircrew and mission planners will optimize flight plans and flight
routing for fuel efficiency; use optimized CFPs when possible.
14.2.3. APU/GTC Usage. Minimize the APU/GTC usage to the maximum extent possible.
Early coordination may be required to ensure external power carts and heating/cooling units
are available.
14.2.4. Center-of-Gravity (CG). Load and maintain aircraft at an aft CG whenever possible
consistent with mission requirements and Flight Manual restrictions.
14.2.5. Engine Start. Delay engine start on all departures whenever practical to minimize
fuel consumption.
14.2.6. Taxi. Consider engine out taxi when permitted by Flight Manual.
14.2.7. Departure Planning. Consider use of opposite direction runway to reduce taxi and/or
expedite departure routing if winds allow.
14.2.8. Takeoff. Consider a rolling takeoff as well as reduced power when able. This saves
fuel and engine wear. Clean up on schedule and don‘t delay gear and flap retraction.
14.2.9. Climb/Descent. In-flight procedures such as climb/descent profiles and power
settings should also be considered for efficient fuel usage.
14.2.10. Weather Deviations. Attempt to coordinate for off-course deviation early so gross
maneuvering is not required.
14.2.11. Cruise techniques. Attempt to trim the aircraft and match throttle settings whenever
possible. Fly fuel efficient speeds and altitudes to the maximum extent possible.
14.2.12. Approach. Fly most direct routing to arrival approach consistent with mission
requirements.