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An A319 departed at maximum weight with 1;100 pounds of extra fuel for forecast turbulence avoidance. Approaching destination holding instructions are issued and minimum fuel declared; but ATC can offer no relief. Flight diverted for fuel before continuing.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 979563 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201111 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0601-1200 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.ARTCC |
| State Reference | US |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | A320 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Captain Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200 Flight Crew Total 17500 Flight Crew Type 2500 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence |
Narrative:
West coast to ZZZ at max gross weight; added 1;100 pounds of extra fuel for altitude flexibility for turbulence. Forecast for moderate turbulence at all higher altitudes in southwest us. First 1.5 hours of flight at FL230. Turbulence became moderate at that altitude; descended to FL210 for a better ride. Fairly smooth until approaching the rocky mountain area. Severe clear air turbulence for 30-45 seconds; mountain wave also +/- 50 KTS. Vmo/mmo not exceeded. All passengers and flight attendants were seated and briefed before event and seat belt sign was on. No injuries reported by flight attendants. Reported event to ATC and dispatch. Unable to climb higher than FL290 due to turbulence. Weather at destination looked good and no delays expected. Informed dispatch of lower than planned fuel state. At top of descent center informed crew of holding. Declared minimum fuel; holding still required by ATC. Communicated with dispatch; diverted for fuel. Conferred with dispatch and maintenance about severe turbulence log item. No 'load 15' report was in aids (aircraft integrated data system). No parameters exceeded. Aircraft inspected for any visible damage; none noted. Continued to original destination.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: An A319 departed at maximum weight with 1;100 LBS of extra fuel for forecast turbulence avoidance. Approaching destination holding instructions are issued and minimum fuel declared; but ATC can offer no relief. Flight diverted for fuel before continuing.
Narrative: West coast to ZZZ at max gross weight; added 1;100 LBS of extra fuel for altitude flexibility for turbulence. Forecast for moderate turbulence at all higher altitudes in southwest US. First 1.5 hours of flight at FL230. Turbulence became moderate at that altitude; descended to FL210 for a better ride. Fairly smooth until approaching the Rocky Mountain area. Severe clear air turbulence for 30-45 seconds; mountain wave also +/- 50 KTS. VMO/MMO not exceeded. All passengers and flight attendants were seated and briefed before event and seat belt sign was on. No injuries reported by flight attendants. Reported event to ATC and Dispatch. Unable to climb higher than FL290 due to turbulence. Weather at destination looked good and no delays expected. Informed Dispatch of lower than planned fuel state. At top of descent Center informed crew of holding. Declared minimum fuel; holding still required by ATC. Communicated with Dispatch; diverted for fuel. Conferred with Dispatch and Maintenance about severe turbulence log item. No 'load 15' report was in AIDS (Aircraft Integrated Data System). No parameters exceeded. Aircraft inspected for any visible damage; none noted. Continued to original destination.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.