FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsEasy
A sport pilot is planning a 45-mile daytime VFR flight in a light-sport airplane with no anticipated delays. Under 14 CFR 91.151, what minimum fuel supply is required at normal cruising speed?
- AEnough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, plus 20 minutes
- BEnough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, plus 30 minutes
- CEnough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing only, with no reserve required
- DEnough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, plus 45 minutes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, plus 30 minutes
14 CFR 91.151 requires that, for day VFR flight, an airplane carry enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes. The 45-minute reserve applies to night VFR, not day VFR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 20 minutes is not a value specified anywhere in 91.151.
- C. A reserve beyond the destination is always required for VFR flight.
- D. 45 minutes is the night VFR reserve requirement, not day.
VFR Fuel Reserve (91.151)
Minimum fuel required for VFR flight beyond that needed to reach the first point of intended landing, based on time of day.
- Day VFR: 30 minutes reserve at normal cruise speed
- Night VFR: 45 minutes reserve at normal cruise speed
- Applies to airplanes operating under VFR
Memory trick: Day = D-irty-30, Night = N-ine(45)