Fuel-stingy airlines putting safety at stake?

It's that time of the year when pilots experience rock'n'roll in the skies. With India beset by pre-monsoon and monsoon showers, many aviators are nervous about the tumult unleashed by the heavens. But what's worrying them more is the curb by management's on the amount of fuel they carry, leading to concerns about flight safety.
"Pilots who took more fuel are being constantly asked for an explanation by the management and emails are being sent to them with details of the extra fuel they used and the number of such flights undertaken. They are then called for counseling," says an upset commander of a leading private airline. "Even if we take 150 kg more than the advisory given by the airline, we're pulled up. How can we fly like this?"
So stressed are some of the pilots over this that they are now taking whatever fuel is being offered without questioning. But that could lead to situations where safety is compromised. Incidentally, 1,100 kg (approx) of fuel lasts just 30 minutes in a mid-sized A320 or B737.
Mandatory airline norms allow for enough fuel to be carried from point A to B, B to an alternate destination, plus 30 minutes holding time. There are variations from airline to airline, but requirements stay the same.
25/06/12 Shobha John/Times of India

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Categories: Safety Jun 2012