FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyHard
A pilot's forecast weather for the ETA satisfies the 1-2-3 rule (ceiling 3,000 feet, visibility 5 statute miles), so an alternate is not required under 14 CFR 91.169. The pilot nonetheless voluntarily lists an alternate airport on the IFR flight plan for extra safety margin. Under 14 CFR 91.167, is the pilot required to carry enough fuel to fly to that voluntarily listed alternate?
- ANo, because voluntary alternates release the pilot from all fuel reserve requirements
- BYes, once an alternate is listed on the flight plan, fuel to reach it is always required
- CYes, but only if the destination weather is below VFR minimums at the time of departure
- DNo, because 91.167's alternate fuel requirement applies only when an alternate is required by 91.169
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No, because 91.167's alternate fuel requirement applies only when an alternate is required by 91.169
14 CFR 91.167(a)(2) requires alternate fuel only 'if an alternate is required.' Since the forecast meets the 1-2-3 rule and no alternate is required by 91.169, the pilot's minimum fuel need only cover the flight to the destination plus a 45-minute reserve, even though an alternate was voluntarily filed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — the 45-minute reserve to the destination is still always required.
- B. Incorrect — the fuel requirement is tied to regulatory necessity, not merely listing an alternate on paper.
- C. Incorrect — VFR minimums at departure are irrelevant to this IFR alternate fuel question.
Voluntary Alternate & Fuel Requirement
91.167's requirement to carry fuel to an alternate applies only when an alternate is legally required under 91.169, not simply because one is listed on the flight plan.
- Minimum fuel = destination + 45 min if no alternate required
- Voluntary alternates don't change the regulatory minimum
- Pilots may carry extra fuel voluntarily beyond the minimum
Memory trick: Listing it on paper doesn't make it required — only the weather rule does.