How Much Fuel Reserve Do You Actually Need?

Fuel starvation kills more pilots than mechanical failure ever will, so why do so many still skip the fuel stop? ⛽

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down real fuel exhaustion accidents pulled straight from recent aviation news, then share a personal story of nearly running dry over the desert in an Icon A5. They unpack the exact planning mistakes that turn a routine cross country into a fuel emergency, and the mindset shift that prevents it.

• Why fuel starvation, not mechanical failure, is the leading pilot-error cause of fatal GA accidents
• Real accident cases, including a 508 nautical mile cross country that crashed with 38 gallons on board
• How to plan fuel stops instead of trusting your fuel gauge or cutting it close on reserves
• When to declare a fuel emergency, and why waiting until you hit reserve minimums can already be too late

🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or CFI, this episode hands you the fuel planning habits that could save your flight, and possibly your life.

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This episode is brought to you by Stratus Financial (stratus.finance), proud sponsor of Aviation Mentors and dedicated to helping the next generation of pilots finance their aviation training.