FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A pilot plans a daytime VFR cross-country leg of 180 nautical miles at a groundspeed of 120 knots, with fuel burn of 8 gallons per hour. Per 14 CFR 91.151, what is the minimum total fuel required for this leg, including the required reserve?
- A18 gallons
- B16 gallons
- C12 gallons
- D14 gallons
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 16 gallons
Time en route = 180 NM ÷ 120 kt = 1.5 hours. Trip fuel = 1.5 × 8 GPH = 12 gallons. Daytime VFR requires a 30-minute reserve = 0.5 × 8 GPH = 4 gallons. Total minimum fuel = 12 + 4 = 16 gallons.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 18 gallons overestimates fuel by using a 45-minute reserve, which applies at night, not during the day.
- C. 12 gallons omits the required 30-minute VFR day reserve.
- D. 14 gallons underestimates the reserve requirement.
91.151 VFR Fuel Requirements
For VFR flight, pilots must carry enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing plus a reserve: 30 minutes during the day, 45 minutes at night, at normal cruise consumption.
- Day VFR reserve = 30 minutes
- Night VFR reserve = 45 minutes
- Reserve calculated at normal cruising fuel consumption
Memory trick: 'Day = 30, Night = 45 — always add the reserve.'