What fuel requirements must be met for IFR flights?

The fuel requirements for IFR flights are designed to ensure that the aircraft has adequate reserves for safe operation in various scenarios that may arise during the flight. The correct answer indicates that the fuel must account for the journey to the destination airport, plus the fuel required to reach an alternate airport and an additional 45 minutes of flight at cruising speed.

This requirement serves multiple safety purposes. First, it ensures that if a pilot cannot land at the original destination due to weather or other issues, there is sufficient fuel to divert to an alternate airport without putting the flight at risk. Second, the additional 45 minutes of fuel is a precautionary measure that allows for unexpected delays in reaching the alternate airport, whether from holding patterns, adverse weather conditions, or other operational delays.

The requirement for alternate airport fuel is especially important in IFR conditions, where unpredictable factors may necessitate a change in destination. In this scenario, the pilot can make a well-informed decision with the buffer provided by the extra fuel, ensuring that safety considerations are prioritized.

Adequately planning for fuel not only complies with regulatory requirements but also reflects best practices in aviation safety and operational readiness. Other options either underestimate the fuel needs or do not account for alternate airports, which are critical when flying in instrument