What does "fuel exhaustion" mean?

Fuel exhaustion refers to the state in which an aircraft completely runs out of fuel during a flight. This condition can lead to engine failure, resulting in a loss of power and potentially a forced landing. It is critical for pilots to monitor fuel levels, understand fuel consumption rates, and plan for adequate reserves to prevent this hazardous situation.

While other scenarios listed may involve fuel, they do not define fuel exhaustion. For example, decreased fuel effectiveness at altitude relates to fuel efficiency rather than a total lack of fuel, while emergency fuel reserves pertain to having additional fuel available for unexpected situations, and technical issues with fuel pumps affect fuel delivery rather than fuel availability. Understanding fuel exhaustion is vital for safe flight operations and effective fuel management.