Planes dump fuel before landing primarily to reduce the aircraft's weight in emergency situations.
Reasons for Fuel Dumping
When an aircraft needs to land shortly after takeoff or before reaching its intended destination due to an emergency, it may be carrying more fuel than is safe for landing. Here's why:
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Weight Reduction: The primary reason for fuel dumping is to decrease the aircraft's landing weight. Aircraft have maximum landing weight limits, which are lower than their maximum takeoff weights.
- Reference: Fuel dumping (or a fuel jettison) is a procedure used by aircraft in certain emergency situations before a return to the airport shortly after takeoff, or before landing short of the intended destination (emergency landing) to reduce the aircraft's weight.
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Safety: Landing above the maximum landing weight can put excessive stress on the aircraft's landing gear and structure, increasing the risk of damage or even a crash.
Fuel Dumping Scenarios
Fuel dumping is typically initiated in the following scenarios:
- Emergency Return: If an aircraft experiences a mechanical issue or a medical emergency shortly after takeoff, it needs to return to the airport quickly.
- Unplanned Landings: When a flight must land at an airport different from its intended destination due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., bad weather, airport closure).
Effects of Fuel Dumping
Fuel dumping helps ensure a safer landing by:
- Reducing the risk of structural damage upon impact.
- Improving the aircraft's maneuverability during the landing approach.
- Decreasing the stopping distance required on the runway.
