What is the minimum fuel requirement for an IFR flight?

The minimum fuel requirement for an IFR flight includes contingencies for potential diversions and unexpected delays. To comply with regulations, a pilot must have enough fuel to reach the intended landing airport, then to an alternate airport if needed, and an additional 45 minutes at cruising speed to account for unforeseen circumstances.

This ensures that if the primary airport is unavailable upon arrival, such as due to weather conditions, the aircraft can safely divert to an alternate airport and still have some margin for holding or delays. The provision of 45 minutes at cruising speed further provides a buffer beyond the basic fuel calculations, enhancing safety and giving pilots greater confidence in managing their flight operations.

In contrast, the other choices suggest requirements that do not fully encompass these safety margins or are less comprehensive in accounting for alternate landing options, making them less suitable for IFR operations.