FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Regulations (Part 121)Medium

A Part 121 domestic flight is being planned. Under 14 CFR 121.639, what is the minimum fuel supply required for a turbojet aircraft to be dispatched under IFR, assuming no alternate airport is required?

  1. AEnough fuel to fly to the destination, plus 1 hour at normal cruising speed.
  2. BEnough fuel to fly to the destination, plus 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
  3. CEnough fuel to fly to the destination, then to the most distant alternate, plus 45 minutes.
  4. DEnough fuel to fly to the destination, plus 30 minutes at normal cruising speed.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Enough fuel to fly to the destination, plus 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.

For a Part 121 domestic operation under IFR, 14 CFR 121.639 requires that a turbojet aircraft must carry enough fuel to fly to the destination airport, and thereafter to fly for 45 minutes at normal cruising fuel consumption.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 1 hour is incorrect; the regulation specifies 45 minutes.
  • C. This option describes a scenario where an alternate is required, which is not the premise of the question.
  • D. 30 minutes is incorrect; the regulation specifies 45 minutes.

Domestic Fuel Requirements (121.639)

Specifies the minimum fuel supply for Part 121 domestic operations, ensuring sufficient reserves for safe flight.

  • Varies based on IFR/VFR and presence of alternate.
  • Always includes fuel to destination.
  • Additional reserve time required.

Memory trick: Domestic IFR Fuel: 'D' for Destination, 'I' for IFR, 'F' for Forty-Five minutes, 'M' for Minimums.

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