What is the IFR fuel reserve requirement?

The IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) fuel reserve requirement is typically set at 45 minutes of fuel endurance. This guideline is established to ensure that pilots have adequate fuel reserves should they encounter delays or need to divert to an alternate airport due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or air traffic control restrictions.

This requirement helps to enhance safety by providing a buffer that allows for additional flying time beyond the planned route. The 45-minute reserve ensures that pilots can manage unexpected situations without the immediate time pressure of fuel depletion. For IFR flights, which may encounter varying conditions and flight paths, this level of reserve is deemed sufficient to allow for safe navigation and operation.

In contrast, the other options suggest different time frames that are not currently aligned with the IFR regulations or best practices recognized in aviation. Therefore, the 45-minute reserve is validated as a prudent measure for IFR operations.