What is the term used when an aircraft has to return to base because of low fuel?

The term "bingo" is used in aviation to indicate that an aircraft has reached a critical fuel state where it must return to base or divert to a nearby airport due to low fuel levels. This situation arises when the fuel remaining is insufficient for the aircraft to complete its current mission or make an alternate landing safely. Pilots use the "bingo" call as a way to notify air traffic control and crew members of this urgent requirement, signaling that returning to base takes precedence over any other activities.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different situations. "Diversion" typically implies an aircraft is redirected to a different airport, often due to factors other than just fuel, such as weather or emergency situations. "Abort" is a term used when a takeoff or landing maneuver is halted for safety reasons, and "wave off" is a command given to an aircraft that indicates it should not land and instead go around for another approach. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing situational management in aviation operations.