Robinson R44
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 800; Flight Crew Type 200
Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Human Factors
I was approximately 15 minutes (and 8 miles from ZZZ) into the 30 minute tour when I saw the low fuel warning light begin to flicker. I immediately turned back towards the airport. I flew about two miles and made the decision that it was necessary to make a precautionary landing in a field that I was familiar with from doing tours the previous summer. I successfully landed the helicopter with the engine running normally with no anomalies; damage; or injuries. Prior to my departure I had determined that there was ample fuel on board to meet the flight requirements plus the required reserve amount fuel. Post maintenance evaluation showed that there was less fuel on board than I had calculated; thus leading to the low fuel indication. This event has led me to change my practices in fuel estimation and allowances in all activities. In the future I will absolutely exceed the minimum requirements for fuel and allow for at least an extra 15-20 minutes. This is something that I take very seriously; and assume the responsibility for.
R44 pilot reports seeing the low fuel warning light began to flicker 15 minutes into a 30 minute flight an elects to land in a field. The warning is found to be valid.