What are the IFR fuel requirements for a flight?

The IFR fuel requirements stipulate that an aircraft must carry enough fuel to safely complete its flight, which includes several contingencies. According to regulations, the fuel must be sufficient to fly from the departure airport to the destination, then to an alternate airport if one is required, and finally, an additional reserve of 45 minutes of flying time at cruise level. This is to ensure that in the event of unforeseen circumstances—such as poor weather at the destination or the alternate being unavailable—the aircraft has adequate fuel to safely continue its journey or divert as necessary.

This comprehensive approach to fuel planning takes into account the variable nature of flight conditions and potential emergencies. It underscores the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, which is a critical aspect of flight safety in IFR conditions.