U.S. Airways pilots are getting pressured to skimp on fuel to save money, according to their union.
The U.S. Airlines Pilots Association claims the airline is intimidating captains to reduce fuel loads. Pilots who decide how much fuel to put in their planes say it's becoming a major concern.
Sen. Bob Menendez agrees with the aviators. Menendez plans on taking the issue to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Planes are required by the federal government to carry enough fuel to get to their intended destination and an alternate destination. They must also have a 45-minute fuel reserve in case of an emergency.
U.S. Airways representatives say they are studying how much fuel their planes need to carry. They also say they're looking at the possibility of buying more fuel-efficient planes in order to deal with the spike in fuel costs.