What does "Minimum Fuel" mean?

john smith wrote:
Callback #318
http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/callback_issues/cb_318.htm

³Minimum Fuel" Does Not Mean Priority Handling

It never has.

It is a great tool for an airline pilot to use to give ATC "heads up"
that any further delay could result in the pilot declaring an emergency
because of low fuel state.

It is folly to use the tool unless the flight has been properly planned,
dispatched, and flown with fuel progess in a satisfactory state.

Thus, it can only be used in the destination terminal area, after a lot
of arrival dalay holds, delay vectors, etc.

And, if the flight is required to have an alternate, then "minimum fuel"
is not a valid reason to avoid going to the alternate because of delays.

It works best when no alternate is required and the ATC handling on
arrival is a series of "endless" delays.

For Part 91 operations in light aircraft, I am not sure any of this has
much value.