What is the definition of bingo fuel?

Bingo fuel is specifically defined as a prebriefed fuel state that indicates when an aircraft should return to base or a designated landing area. This critical concept ensures that pilots manage their fuel consumption effectively, considering various factors like weather, air traffic, and mission requirements. When the aircraft reaches this designated fuel state, it signals to the crew that they have the minimum amount of fuel needed to safely execute a return as planned, while still allowing for an emergency reserve.

This definition emphasizes the importance of fuel management strategies in maintaining safety and operational effectiveness during flight. The prebriefed aspect of bingo fuel denotes that it is a planned threshold rather than a reactive measure, which enhances situational awareness and decision-making during a flight mission.