Definition
A phrase used by either pilots or controllers when relating to the fuel remaining on board until actual fuel exhaustion. When transmitting such information in response to either a controller question or pilot-initiated cautionary advisory to air traffic control, pilots will state the approximate number of minutes the flight can continue with the fuel remaining. All reserve fuel should be included in the time stated, as should an allowance for established fuel gauge system error.
Plain English
How much flying time is left before the airplane runs out of fuel, expressed in minutes. When a pilot reports this to ATC, they include every drop on board — including reserves — and account for any known inaccuracy in the fuel gauges.
Context Anchor
Used in radio communication with air traffic control when a controller asks about fuel, or when a pilot needs to make fuel status clear for planning or safety.
Derivation
Fuel comes from an old word for material used to feed a fire. Remaining means still left. Together, the phrase points to the fuel still available to keep the aircraft flying.
Why Pilots Care
Determines priority handling from ATC and helps prevent fuel exhaustion emergencies.
Intuition Check
Do not assume Fuel Remaining means fuel left after saving the reserve. In this FAA communication context, it means the approximate minutes until the aircraft would run out, including reserve fuel.
Example Sentence 1
When the controller asked for fuel remaining, the pilot replied, "Forty-five minutes," having included his reserve and a small allowance for gauge error.
Example Sentence 2
During an emergency, the pilot stated fuel remaining was forty-five minutes.