Hi mate. Two questions. Page 108 of cpl performance discusses a scenario where you fly to a location, do a search, then fly home. It appears that you must allow for contingency fuel during the search.

First. Is it the case, for the purpose of the exam, that you must allow for contingency fuel when doing airwork like this?

Second. Contingency fuel allowance does not apply to holding or alternate (go figure) correct?

Thanks

Your first question. The question said your operator (boss) has a policy that this company is to carry contingency fuel for all flights except for holding over an aerodrome.

That's not a CASA requirement but in this case you must carry the contingency fuel because it is your company's policy. As far as CASA's concerned, this is not an air transport flight because no people or cargo are being carried for hire or reward and no contingency fuel is required by the CASA regulations.

In a case like this, the examiner should make it clear whether or not the company has any policy that may be different to the CASA regulations. If nothing is said about such requirements, I'm sure you would be safe to simply adhere to the CASA regulations.

I'm sure you will find that to be the case in the CASA exams.

Your second question. Yes, if you read the regulations as written, the definition of 'destination alternate fuel' makes no mention of contingency fuel being required for a flight to the alternate. See the definition of destination alternate fuel CASR 135 MOS para 7.02. Contingency fuel is supposed to allow for things like unexpected headwinds, diversions due weather, flying at other than the planned level (so other than the planned wind). It would appear that CASA have it on good authority that nothing like that can happen if you are on the way to the alternate....

That keeps me awake at night too!

Bob