In IFR fuel planning, how long beyond reaching the destination must you have extra fuel?

• A. 45 minutes
• B. 15 minutes
• C. 60 minutes
• D. 90 minutes

Answer: (A)

In IFR planning, you include a safety margin known as reserve fuel, added beyond what you need to reach the destination. The standard extra you must have beyond reaching the destination is forty-five minutes of fuel. This reserve covers delays that can occur after arrival—things like holding in the approach pattern, weather that prevents an immediate landing, or a missed approach—so you have a buffer to land safely or continue to a suitable alternate if needed. A shorter reserve, like fifteen minutes, wouldn’t provide enough margin for common delays, while longer reserves (sixty or ninety minutes) add unnecessary weight and cost for most operations.