FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the fuel requirement for flight under VFR during daylight hours in an airplane?

1. Enough to fly for 60 minutes after landing

2. Enough to fly to the first point of landing and then for 30 minutes

3. Only enough to reach the airport of departure

4. Enough to fly to the first point of landing only

The correct answer is: Enough to fly to the first point of landing and then for 30 minutes

The fuel requirement for flight under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) during daylight hours mandates that the aircraft must carry enough fuel to reach the first intended landing point and then have an additional 30 minutes of reserve fuel. This ensures that pilots have a margin of safety in case of unexpected circumstances, such as needing to divert to an alternate airport or encountering air traffic, weather changes, or other in-flight challenges. This requirement is in place to promote safety and reduce the risk of fuel exhaustion, particularly during daylight operations where visibility is generally good, allowing for a more straightforward navigation to an alternative landing site if needed. It ensures that pilots are adequately prepared for contingencies and can manage unexpected changes in their flight plans without jeopardizing safety. For VFR operations, it's essential to plan for enough fuel to cover not just the primary destination but also to handle unexpected situations, which is precisely why this requirement emphasizes flying to the first point of landing and having an additional buffer.