What is the definition of Bingo fuel?

Bingo fuel is defined as a pre-briefed fuel quantity that a pilot must have in order to safely return to the base or an alternate airport. This measurement is crucial for flight planning and safety, as it ensures that the aircraft has enough fuel to reach its destination while maintaining a safety margin.

When determining bingo fuel, various factors are taken into account, such as the aircraft's fuel consumption rate, flight conditions, and any potential delays or diversions that might occur. By establishing this pre-briefed figure before the flight, pilots can better manage their fuel usage during the mission and make informed decisions about their course of action if they reach bingo fuel status.

In contrast to the other options, which may refer to general fuel requirements or emergency fuel needs, the focus of bingo fuel is specifically tied to the necessity of returning safely with enough fuel reserves, differentiating it from other fuel quantities that might not account for safety margins or planned returns.