What is the fuel requirement for IFR flights?

The fuel requirement for IFR flights is established to ensure that pilots have enough reserve fuel to address any potential delays or diversions that may occur during the flight. The correct answer reflects the regulation that mandates a pilot must have enough fuel to reach the destination airport, fly to an alternate airport if required, and additionally have enough reserve fuel to operate for an extra 45 minutes.

This requirement is particularly crucial because flight operations under IFR may encounter various weather conditions, air traffic delays, or other unforeseen circumstances that could necessitate diverting to an alternate airport. Ensuring that there is an additional 45 minutes of fuel acts as a safeguard to accommodate any necessary holding patterns or adjustments en route. This thorough planning is essential for safety and compliance with FAA regulations regarding IFR operations.