The "Joker" in aviation refers to a specific fuel quantity, more precisely, joker fuel.
Joker Fuel Explained
Joker fuel is a predetermined fuel level, more than the bare minimum required for landing. It acts as a warning point during a flight operation. Here's a breakdown:
- Definition: Joker fuel is the fuel quantity, pre-briefed, that when reached, necessitates proceeding with the planned portion of the mission, and begin transitioning to return to base.
- Purpose: To ensure sufficient fuel remains to safely return to base or a designated alternate airfield. It is typically higher than "bingo fuel".
- Relationship to Bingo Fuel: Joker fuel is higher than bingo fuel. "Bingo fuel" is the minimum fuel needed for landing. Joker fuel includes an extra reserve margin.
Joker vs. Bingo Fuel
Here's a simple comparison in a table:
| Feature | Joker Fuel | Bingo Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Fuel level to begin returning to base, allowing for mission adjustments. Includes a fuel reserve. | Minimum fuel required to reach the airfield and land safely. |
| Purpose | Provide a safety margin and prompt timely return, allowing for flexibility in mission completion before a mandatory return. | Ensures a safe landing. |
| Fuel Quantity | Higher | Lower |
| Action Triggered | Start transitioning from ongoing mission and return to base or start required actions to prepare for landing (e.g. descending to airfield, slowing, approach brief). | Immediately proceed to the airfield and prepare for immediate landing. |
| Origin | United States Air Force during World War II | United States Air Force during World War II |
Example Scenario
Imagine a fighter pilot on a training mission.
- Before the flight, the pilot calculates:
- Bingo Fuel: 1000 lbs (minimum to land).
- Joker Fuel: 1500 lbs (allows some extra maneuvering during return).
- During the mission, if the fuel level reaches 1500 lbs (joker fuel), the pilot will stop the current training maneuvers and proceed towards the base.
- If the fuel level reaches 1000 lbs (bingo fuel), the pilot MUST immediately head to the base and prepare for landing. No further deviations are allowed.
