B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Procedure
There is a trend on 737 flight plans that consistently have arriving fuel loads without any consideration for go-arounds. Most flight plans; where no alternate is required; have flights landing with approximately 5K LBS. A go-around requires at least 1k-1.5K LBS of fuel which would result in a 'fuel low lights illuminated' (below 4K LBS) status. There is also a trend for Dispatch to file aircraft at higher flight levels and minimum arrival fuel; thus no 'room for error' if forced to fly at lower altitudes due to weather and/or ride conditions thus a higher fuel burn. I have literally been told by Dispatch when asking for more fuel; they would rather not add because they would be forced to remove passengers and that I could consider 'landing short' if need be. Reserve fuel loads; approximately 3K -3.8K LBS (unless additional fuel is added by Dispatcher); always have aircraft landing with fuel low lights on. There also is no consideration when landing at busier airports such as ORD; where vectors can burn an additional 1k LBS or more; and there is no fuel left for a go-around without declaring emergency fuel.  I would suggest having fuel plans more consistent with actual flight conditions and scenarios. Have dispatchers actually review the flight plan they send out; especially taking into consideration fuel loads vs. altitude and ride conditions. Raise the FOB minimums so captains don't have to keep calling for additional fuel. Consider go-around fuel burn since it is a normal procedure.
A B737 Captain comments about Dispatch fuel planning methodology which does not consider real world factors; such as vectors; go-arounds; cruise altitude assignments; when dispatch fuel loads are calculated resulting in aircraft landing with FUEL LOW lights illuminated.