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CA.I.D.K3cFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge

c. Fuel requirements, including reserve

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Calculating: c. Fuel requirements, including reserve

Bottom line

The amount of fuel needed for a given flight can be calculated by multiplying the estimated flight time by the rate of consumption.

Key numbers

Key numbers for c. Fuel requirements, including reserve
NumberWhat it means
at least 30 minutes after the first point of intended landing (airplane, day VFR)VFR day reserve
at least 45 minutes after the first point of intended landing (airplane, night VFR)VFR night reserve

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-12) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. 14 CFR 91.151 (Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  3. AIM 5-5-15 (Minimum Fuel Advisory) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. RMH ch. 5 (p. 5-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  5. 14 CFR 91.167 (Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  6. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-22) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  7. AIM 5-1-10 (IFR Operations to High Altitude Destinations) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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