What is a primary consideration when planning fuel for a flight below 3000' AGL?

In planning fuel for a flight below 3000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), one of the primary considerations is the time to hold and recovery fuel. This refers to ensuring there is enough fuel for situations that may arise, such as needing to circle or hold for a period of time due to air traffic control instructions, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Holding fuel is critical because it allows the pilot to maintain safety and operational efficiency by ensuring sufficient fuel levels in the event of a delay. Recovery fuel is equally important; it refers to the fuel required to safely return to the landing site or an alternate location in case of an emergency or change in the flight plan. Adequate planning for these fuel needs is essential to avoiding situations where a pilot may find themselves with insufficient fuel to complete a safe landing.

Factors like takeoff weight limitations, emergency landing procedures, and altitude above sea level are relevant to flight planning but do not address the immediate concerns associated with fuel consumption and safety at low altitudes, where the potential for unexpected events might require additional fuel reserves.