UPDATE: Airlines Fly With Not Enough Fuel

The story I did on Airline Pilots complaining that their airlines were forcing them to fly with “Minimum Fuel” requirements is now getting national attention.  I am happy MSNBC.COM is featuring the story that has peaked the interest of lawmakers in Washington.

Here’s the deal, with the price of Jet Fuel skyrocketing airlines can save money by carrying less fuel.  It means the plane is lighter and burns less fuel in the process.  But pilots we spoke with insist it is causing many planes to be rerouted and diverted more often.  Their example, when they carry :Minimum Fuel” they don’t have a large enough reserve to circle an airport over and over.  That means they need to land at another airport simply because if they don’t, they will run out of fuel.

That seems unacceptable.  A commercial pilot I spoke with said, “you don’t want to be at minimum fuel, and then not have the landing gear come down.”

At the very least the problem is inconveniencing passengers by forcing them to land at an airport that was not their final destination. 

To watch my story, click here.