FAQ's

If one discusses the topic of aviation, there quickly follows a heated and controversial discussion on the issue of “fuel dumping” – the release of kerosene during the flight. What is it really about?

Only long-haul aircraft are, due to their high fuel (kerosene) storage capacity and their construction, incapable of landing in a fully fuelled condition. Because of the lightweight construction techniques used in aircraft production (also for cabin, undercarriage and brakes) these aircraft types have a maximum allowed landing weight (MLW = Maximum Landing Weight) significantly lower than the maximum allowed take-off weight (MTOW = Maximum Take Off Weight). If serious technical problems arise after take-off it may be necessary before landing, and in order to achieve the MLW to release excess fuel. Approval for this procedure must, however be obtained from the responsible air traffic control authority which then designates a particular airspace. This airspace is chosen such that any effect on the lives of the public can be eliminated to a great extent.

It is important to know therefore:

• fuel dumping is exclusively intended for emergencies
• fuel dumping is related to the type of aircraft and because of the necessary technical equipment, only possible on long-haul aircraft
• at present fuel dumping is recorded once per 30,000 take-offs in Germany

If the designated minimum height for fuel dumping of 1,500 m (above ground) is maintained, the spraying of the released fuel and its evaporation due to solar radiation makes it highly unlikely, under normal weather conditions, that significant amounts of fuel could be detected at ground level. In the case of fuel dumping a maximum of 0.02g of kerosene per square meter of ground. This represents the amount of a shot glass over an area of 1,000 m². Current continuously performed tests confirm this.