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

Flying VFR at night, what minimum fuel reserve does an airplane need after the first planned landing?

45 minutes at normal cruising speed.

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  1. 30 minutes
  2. 45 minutes ✔
  3. 60 minutes

Why: Rule 91.151 raises the VFR airplane reserve from 30 minutes by day to 45 minutes at night. Night makes diverting and finding a field harder, so the rule adds a cushion.

Huh, didn't know that: The same rule bases the reserve on normal cruising speed, not on the slower, fuel saving speeds pilots might fly in a pinch.

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References

Answer: 45 minutes. Rule 91.151 raises the VFR airplane reserve from 30 minutes by day to 45 minutes at night. Night makes diverting and finding a field harder, so the rule adds a cushion.

  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
    At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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