FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the specific fuel requirement for flight under VFR at night in an airplane?

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

2. Enough to fly to the first point of landing and then for 45 minutes

3. Enough to fly for 1 hour after takeoff

4. Enough to fly to the first point of landing and turn back

The correct answer is: Enough to fly to the first point of landing and then for 45 minutes

The specific fuel requirement for flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at night mandates that the pilot must have sufficient fuel to fly to the first intended point of landing and then have an additional reserve of fuel that allows for 45 minutes of flight. This requirement is established to ensure that pilots have adequate fuel to respond to unforeseen circumstances that may arise during night operations, such as changes in flight conditions, the need to divert to an alternate airport, or challenges in navigating at night. Having a designated fuel reserve is particularly critical at night when visibility may be reduced, and the pilot has less visual reference, which can increase the risk of mishaps. The 45-minute reserve provides a safety buffer that supports better decision-making for landing conditions or unexpected situations that might surface. This precautionary measure aligns with aviation safety standards established by regulatory bodies to ensure safe operation of aircraft at night. The other options may not provide sufficient buffer in varying conditions that could be encountered during nighttime flight, particularly concerning safety and navigational challenges.