Originally Posted by
Andy_RR
Surely you are allowed to use the aircraft to the utility category limits once you've burned off sufficient fuel?
I’m drawing from memory from 12-13 years ago so forgive me if I’m slightly off on the numbers:
C172SP (later “new” model) with two normal size adults can only have 10 gallons of fuel in order to be in Utility category. This means start up with about 14-15 gallons, taxi and climb to 6500’.
Min fuel VFR is 30 min which is 5 gallons in the SP so you have 30 min to practice spins and back to the airport to land with 2-3 gallons in each tank with your LOW FUEL lights on.