What is one of the key purposes of a fuel management plan?

A fuel management plan is crucial for optimizing fuel usage and minimizing waste during a flight. By effectively managing fuel, aircrew can ensure that the aircraft operates efficiently, which not only saves costs but also enhances safety and flight performance. This optimization involves forecasting fuel requirements for various phases of flight, managing fuel flow to engines, and making informed decisions regarding fuel transfers, reserves, and load balancing.

Additionally, an effective fuel management plan plays a vital role in environmental responsibility by reducing the carbon footprint associated with excess fuel consumption. It requires knowledge of the aircraft's fuel system, the weight of the fuel, and how fuel burn rates change with various flight conditions. Overall, the key purpose encapsulates strategic planning and operational execution to ensure the aircraft reaches its destination safely and efficiently without unnecessary fuel expenditure.