Now look what you started. If only there was some kind of mandatory regulation for fuel loads on IFR flights.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3837945&page=1
Danger in the Sky: Underfueled Planes
As oil prices soar, it may mean that some airlines may soon not be. United Airlines has announced it may have to ground 100 planes because gas has become so expensive.
An investigation by WABC-NY reporter Jim Hoffer found that some airlines might be trying to cut costs by lightening the load and flying with less fuel. But that has put some flights and passengers at risk.
In April, a pilot on a commercial plane entering New York airspace contacted air traffic control to say that his aircraft was running low on fuel.
The recorded conversation between the pilot and air traffic controllers offered a chilling glimpse into the potential dangers in commercial air travel.
Pilot: "We are minimum fuel, sir."
Air traffic controller: "You're declaring an emergency at this time. The time is now 22:57. I need the souls on board and fuel in pounds when you arrive."
Pilot: "Copy that. One hundred fifty-seven souls on board. We have exactly 38 minutes of fuel remaining."
Controllers gave the plane priority landing and it safely touched down with just minutes of fuel remaining.