What is the pre-briefed fuel state that allows the aircraft to return to base with required recovery fuel?

The concept of Bingo Fuel is crucial in flight operations, particularly for unmanned systems like the MQ-9. Bingo Fuel refers to the minimum amount of fuel that an aircraft must have in order to safely return to base (RTB) with the necessary recovery fuel. This ensures that after completing its mission, the aircraft can reach its home base while still maintaining a safety margin in fuel reserves.

This concept helps pilots and operators manage their priorities during a mission, knowing they need to conserve fuel to reach the base safely while also having enough fuel to account for any unexpected circumstances, such as changes in the mission profile or delays. It is defined and communicated in pre-mission briefs to ensure that all crew members understand the critical fuel state required for safe recovery.

In contrast, Joker Fuel is a term used to signal a "heads-up" to the pilot about fuel levels that allow for additional maneuvers or tasks, while Low Fuel generally indicates an approaching concern but does not specify a safe return to base. Critical Fuel, on the other hand, refers to a dangerously low state that necessitates immediate action but typically does not guarantee the ability to return without risking an emergency situation.