Orion Fuel Dump

[Guest Glenn]

Was in Orange today after lunch and heard on the scanner, Melbourne Centre 135.125, that an Orion was conducting a fuel dump from FL180 between Lithgow and Portland.

 

Does anyone know why they would do this?

 

 

[Guest doubled]

The aircraft was most likely returning to land prior to task completion (pre-cautionary landing). The landing weight for these aircraft can be considerably lower than the take-off weight for a given runway (too heavy to land). Also, if it was an emergency situation, the less fuel on board the better.

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Certainly wasn't an emergency. Thanks.