What are the fuel requirements for an alternate?

• A. Complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing only.
• B. Fly from the first airport to the alternate airport only.
• C. Complete the flight to the first airport, then to the alternate, and then for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
• D. There are no specified fuel requirements.

Answer: (C)

In IFR flight planning, you must carry enough fuel to reach the destination, then, if an alternate is required, to reach that alternate, and then have a 45-minute reserve for holding or unexpected delays. This setup provides a cushion for weather issues, reroutes, or missed approaches.

The best choice reflects this rule by stating you should be fuelled to complete the leg to the first airport (the destination), then to the alternate, and then have 45 minutes of fuel at normal cruising speed. That combination covers reaching both airports and maintains a standard reserve in case you can’t land as planned.

Choices that skip the need to reach an alternate, or omit the 45-minute reserve, don’t meet the stated planning requirements.