Less fuel means a lighter plane; a lighter plane means better gas mileage, saving the airline money. Under FAA regulations, pilots have the final say on how much fuel they take on board, but they say that when they question the fuel levels suggested in their flight plans, their judgment is frequently challenged. Apparently, it is not uncommon for the flight dispatcher to question the captain if he feels it necessary to add fuel, one pilot reported. Pressure from airlines and dispatchers to conserve fuel made another pilot no longer certain whether I, as captain, have final authority on what I deem is a minimum safe fuel load for the flight or do I not. Read more about the pilots’ complaints and the responses they are receiving from their employers – the airline companies.
