Fuel Jettisoning

071-02-11Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Purpose

Fuel dump A340

To reduce aircraft weight from Take-off Weight (which can be high) to Maximum Landing Weight (MLW) in case of immediate return. Landing overweight puts stress on landing gear and structure, and requires inspection.

Regulations

  • Altitude: Minimum 6,000 ft AGL (to allow fuel to vaporize before reaching ground).
  • Location: Clear of cities, thunderstorms, and other aircraft.
  • Procedures:
    • Notify ATC.
    • Extend nozzles/pipes.
    • Dump to MLW or required weight.
    • Retract nozzles.
    • Leave minimum fuel for landing and diversion (usually not less than weather minima + reserve).

Overweight Landing

If dumping is not possible or time is critical (Fire), an overweight landing is permitted.

  • Touchdown must be gentle (low vertical speed).
  • Longer runway required (higher speed).
  • Brake cooling required after landing.
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-04-01

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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