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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-vfr-fuel-reserve-day

Flying an airplane VFR by day, how much fuel must remain after reaching your first planned landing?

30 minutes at normal cruising speed.

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  1. 30 minutes at normal cruise ✔
  2. 20 minutes at normal cruise
  3. 45 minutes at normal cruise

Why: Rule 91.151 says a daytime VFR airplane flight needs enough fuel to reach the first planned landing and then fly 30 more minutes at normal cruise. Wind and forecast weather must be counted too.

Huh, didn't know that: Helicopters flying VFR get a smaller reserve under the same rule: 20 minutes at normal cruising speed.

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References

Answer: 30 minutes at normal cruise. Rule 91.151 says a daytime VFR airplane flight needs enough fuel to reach the first planned landing and then fly 30 more minutes at normal cruise. Wind and forecast weather must be counted too.

  1. 14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR4d7cd0e3cc4be86/section-91.151
    During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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