FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsHard
A pilot is planning a daytime VFR flight in a helicopter and calculates fuel to the first point of intended landing plus a 20-minute reserve at normal cruising speed, matching the fuel requirement used for airplanes. Is this calculation required by regulation for the helicopter flight?
- ANo, 91.151 applies only to airplanes; however, the pilot must still ensure sufficient fuel under 91.103 preflight action requirements
- BYes, 14 CFR 91.151 fuel reserve requirements apply identically to helicopters and airplanes
- CNo, helicopters are exempt from all fuel planning requirements under Part 91
- DYes, but the required reserve for helicopters is 45 minutes, not 20 minutes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No, 91.151 applies only to airplanes; however, the pilot must still ensure sufficient fuel under 91.103 preflight action requirements
14 CFR 91.151 specifically applies to flight in an airplane and does not by its terms apply to helicopters. However, 14 CFR 91.103 requires all pilots, including helicopter pilots, to become familiar with all available information concerning the flight, which includes ensuring adequate fuel for the intended operation.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 91.151 text specifically references airplanes, not helicopters, so it does not apply identically.
- C. Helicopters are not exempt from prudent fuel planning; 91.103 still applies.
- D. There is no 45-minute helicopter-specific reserve rule; 91.151's 20/30-minute rule applies only to airplanes.
VFR Fuel Requirements
14 CFR 91.151 mandates specific fuel reserves (30 min day / 45 min night) for airplanes only; helicopters are not covered by this rule but must still plan adequate fuel under 91.103.
- 91.151 applies only to airplanes, not helicopters
- Airplane day reserve is 30 minutes, night reserve is 45 minutes
- 91.103 requires all pilots to ensure adequate fuel through preflight planning
Memory trick: 91.151 talks only to airplanes; helicopters listen to 91.103 instead