NCO.OP.126 Fuel and oil supply — helicopters

1. The pilot-in-command shall only commence a flight if the helicopter carries sufficient fuel and oil for the following:

   1. for VFR flights, to fly to the aerodrome/operating site of intended landing and thereafter to fly for at least 20 minutes at best-range-speed; and

   2. for IFR flights:

      1. when no alternate is required or no weather-permissible alternate aerodrome is available, to fly to the aerodrome/operating site of intended landing, and thereafter to fly for 30 minutes at holding speed at 450 m (1500 ft) above the destination aerodrome/operating site under standard temperature conditions and approach and land; or

      2. when an alternate is required, to fly to and execute an approach and a missed approach at the aerodrome/operating site of intended landing, and thereafter:

         1. to fly to the specified alternate; and

         2. to fly for 30 minutes at holding speed at 450 m (1500 ft) above the alternate aerodrome/operating site under standard temperature conditions and approach and land.

2. In computing the fuel required including to provide for contingency, the following shall be taken into consideration:

   1. forecast meteorological conditions;

   2. anticipated ATC routings and traffic delays;

   3. procedures for loss of pressurisation or failure of one engine while en-route, where applicable; and

   4. any other condition that may delay the landing of the aircraft or increase fuel and/or oil consumption.

3. Nothing shall preclude amendment of a flight plan in-flight, in order to re-plan the flight to another destination, provided that all requirements can be complied with from the point where the flight is re-planned.

NCO.OP.126 will be repealed on 30 October 2025.