14 CFR 91.167 — Fuel Requirements for Flight in IFR Conditions
IFR fuel: enough to fly to destination, then to alternate (if required), then 45-minute reserve at normal cruising speed.
Regulation Text
No person may operate a civil aircraft in IFR conditions unless it carries enough fuel (considering weather reports and forecasts and weather conditions) to: complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing; fly from that airport to the alternate airport (if an alternate is required); and fly after that for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
IFR flights require enough fuel to get to your destination, then fly to your alternate airport (if an alternate is required), and then fly for 45 more minutes at normal cruise speed. The alternate is required unless the destination forecast shows at least 2,000 foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility for 1 hour before and after your ETA (the 1-2-3 rule). IFR fuel requirements are more stringent than VFR because you cannot just look outside and find somewhere to land.
Tested On These Exams
Related Regulations
14 CFR 91.169 — IFR Flight Plan: Information Required
Specifies IFR flight plan requirements and the conditions under which an alternate airport must be listed.
§91.15114 CFR 91.151 — Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions
VFR day: fuel to destination plus 30-minute reserve. VFR night: fuel to destination plus 45-minute reserve.
§91.10314 CFR 91.103 — Preflight Action
PIC must familiarize themselves with all available information concerning the flight, including weather, fuel requirements, alternatives, runway lengths, and performance data.
Pass your FAA exam in 30 days
Pilot Exam Crash Course
This regulation will be on your exam. Get 1,000+ practice questions with instant explanations. 94% of students pass on their first attempt.
50% off first month. Cancel anytime. 2,200+ questions.
Or subscribe for full access
All Exams, All Regulations — $7.49/mo
1,000+ questions covering all FARs. Cancel after you pass.
Cancel anytime. No commitment.