What is the definition of Joker Fuel?

Joker Fuel is defined as a prebriefed fuel state required to terminate a specific phase of an operation and transition to the next phase of flight. It is crucial for flight planning, as it ensures that the aircraft has enough fuel to safely complete the current mission segment and reach a designated point, such as a waypoint or landing zone. This definition emphasizes the importance of maintaining efficient fuel management in formation flying or mission operations, allowing pilots to make timely decisions to transition to subsequent phases while ensuring safety and operational effectiveness.

Understanding this concept is vital for pilots, as it helps them maintain situational awareness and make informed decisions regarding fuel consumption and mission planning.