From the beginning of my flying training I was told that I had to carry in addition to fuel for A to B, sufficient fuel for at least a fixed reserve, variable reserve then whatever was required for weather and traffic holding. The allowances was always for a certain time e.g. 30 min, 60min etc.
So is anyone able to advise the actual number "in excess of 40 minutes" equates to? This was the holding fuel required yesterday for traffic going into Sydney. Not only that but the airlines were not advised of the change in holding fuel so the first notice of the increased traffic holding was taxiing out for departure! In fact taxiing out it was advised as 40 minutes, it was only once airborne that it became in excess of 40 minutes.
Normal traffic fuel for that time of day is 25 minutes and there were no weather requirements.
I thought I was familiar with the AIP but if someone can post the appropriate reference that would be appreciated.
