EZ Fuel Policy
Since someone asked, here's the EZ policy.
Min arrival fuel =
Alternate fuel = the burn from G/A @ dest to alternate at an appropriate level
Final Reserve Fuel = 30 mins hold fuel @ 1500' in icing (about 1200kg depending on type)
Alt Fuel + Final Res Fuel = CMR (Company Min Reserve)
If you're gonna land with less than Final Reserve (for whatever reason) it's a MAYDAY.
Capt may go below CMR only IF satisfied that landing at dest is assured (defined as landing can take place within any FORECAST wx deterioration and plausible sngle failures of airborne or gnd equipment).
Ergo, if held close to LGW/LTN on a 20 min - No Delay, it is permissible to go bleow CMR, if the Capt is satisfied that above is OK.
(There is a whole page on landing with less than norm reserves and I've only given you a snippet).
If you're gonna land with less than 1600kg and not yet established on Final Approach - PAN PAN.
The PLOG, like any other, states the JAR min fuel required for the trip. The Capt may take what he likes as long as he can justify it if called upon to do so.
I have NEVER YET been asked to justify my fuel load and, if it were to happen at EZ, it would be a discussion rather than a b0ll0cking - of that I have no doubt whatsoever.
Needless to say the above assumes Cat1 or better.
Rgds to all