What does 'bingo' mean?

• A. The aircraft has reached maximum payload
• B. The aircraft has run out of fuel
• C. The aircraft has hit the minimum fuel level to safely fly back to base
• D. The aircraft has identified a target

Answer: (C)

In aviation terminology, bingo fuel is the minimum amount of fuel on board that allows you to safely return to base or proceed to a designated alternate airfield. It’s determined from flight planning by considering distance, expected fuel burn, winds, reserves, and contingencies. When the remaining fuel reaches that bingo level, the crew must start the plan to divert or land at the base or an alternate and typically request priority handling from air traffic control. It’s about knowing you have just enough fuel to get home safely, not about payload, running completely out of fuel, or identifying a target.