Who's fuel policy is it anyway?
Ladies and gentlemen,
When I fly, the fuel we carry is decided by we, the crew. The fuel policy for that flight, or series of flights is decided by we, and the highest justifiable vote wins. After lengthy consultation with the forecasts, notams etc, we the crew nominate a figure such that any other exigency is covered. We do not consult with anyone whose arse is not going to be aboard.
Should some pea-nut from outside question our decision, I offer them the prerogative of taking this hunk of tin themselves into the blue abyss. No takers as yet.
The AF 340 crash in Canada is remarkable for 3 frightening things:
They took no holding fuel when TS was forecast;
They arrived with 18 minutes of holding fuel;
The TS rain put out the fire - for 18 minutes. After which the WX was good.
Policy is like command - OWN IT!!