What are the standard IFR fuel requirements?

• A. Enough fuel to get to the destination, alternate, and 45 minutes thereafter.
• B. Fuel for 2 hours beyond the destination.
• C. Only enough to reach the destination.
• D. Always enough fuel for 2 hours extra.

Answer: (A)

In IFR flight planning, you must carry enough fuel to cover the flight to the destination, and if an alternate is required, enough to reach that alternate as well, plus a standard reserve of 45 minutes of fuel for contingencies at normal cruising speed. This 45-minute reserve provides a safety buffer for delays, holding, or unexpected routing after reaching the destination or alternate, helping prevent fuel exhaustion.

The best choice reflects all three parts: destination, alternate (if required), and a 45-minute reserve. Other options miss one of these elements—omitting the alternate, omitting the reserve, or specifying more fuel than the standard requirement.