Bingo and Joker Fuel

It is obviously important that all aircraft in the formation have sufficient fuel to complete the planned flight. In some cases, the flight may take longer than expected. For example, there may be a significant hold while waiting for traffic.

The fuel dipstick and fuel gauge in the Airtourer are notoriously inaccurate, and although CT-4 fuel systems are better, fuel is typically managed in pounds instead of litres. So that pilots give proper consideration to fuel required, a Bingo and a Joker fuel requirement should be calculated,and if necessary, aircraft fuelled before the flight.

Joker' fuel is the amount considered to be sufficient to complete the flight, as briefed, under current conditions, including reserve. Bingo fuel is the minimum amount sufficient to return to base. Joker fuel is always higher than Bingo.

For typical short-duration formation flights, starting fuel should be well above Joker and Bingo.

For example, if the flight is estimated to take 60 minutes and burn 41 litres of fuel, and the fixed reserve is 20 litres, then Joker fuel is 59 litres. If the flight is anticipated to be at a maximum of 50 miles from the airfield, and 50 miles requires 18 litres, then Bingo fuel is 18 litres plus fixed reserve, adding up to 38 litres. If a member of the formation reaches their bingo fuel level, she or he must call '[Callsign], Bingo', and the exercise must be terminated and a return to base immediately initiated.