What does the term "joker fuel" refer to?

The term "joker fuel" specifically refers to a pre-planned amount of fuel that pilots calculate for specific transition points during a flight. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the aircraft has sufficient fuel to reach these transitions, which might include returning to a base or proceeding to the next phase of a mission. By establishing a joker fuel level, pilots can better manage their fuel consumption and ensure they do not enter a critical fuel state too early, allowing for contingency plans if needed.

This concept is vital in flight planning and during missions as it helps maintain operational flexibility and safety by ensuring that pilots can make necessary decisions without the immediate stress of fuel limitations. Thus, the establishment of a joker fuel level is crucial for maintaining mission readiness and piloting efficacy.