FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

How much additional fuel should be carried if an alternate airport is designated on an IFR flight plan?

1. 30 minutes at normal cruising speed

2. 60 minutes at maximum speed

3. 45 minutes at normal cruising speed

4. 15 minutes at best glide speed

The correct answer is: 45 minutes at normal cruising speed

Carrying additional fuel for an alternate airport on an IFR flight plan is crucial for ensuring safety during flight operations. The requirement for carrying fuel for alternate airports is typically based on the expectation that pilots should be prepared to reach the alternate airport in case the primary airport cannot be landed at due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather changes or inoperative runways. The regulation specifies that the pilot should carry enough fuel to fly to the alternate airport and hold for a specified period, typically designed to account for delays in landing. The most widely accepted standard within the aviation community is to carry additional fuel for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed. This amount provides a sufficient buffer for potential delays and ensures that the aircraft has enough fuel for safe operations. The other options present different time frames or speeds that may not align with regulatory expectations or operational best practices for fuel requirements when an alternate is filed in IFR flight plans. Thus, the choice of 45 minutes at normal cruising speed reflects adherence to operational safety standards while ensuring that the aircraft is adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise en route to the destination or the alternate airport.