Reserve Fuel Calculator
Calculate FAA-required fuel reserves for airplane operations under FAR Part 91. Select your operation type to see the applicable regulation and compute your minimum planned fuel.
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Why This Matters to Pilots
Fuel exhaustion is one of the leading causes of general aviation accidents. The FAA fuel reserve requirements in FAR 91.151 and 91.167 establish minimum standards, not targets. Experienced pilots routinely carry more than the regulatory minimum.
For IFR operations, the requirement to plan destination fuel, alternate fuel, and a 45-minute reserve separately ensures that each phase of the flight is independently accounted for. Combining them into a single number masks the individual requirements and can lead to inadequate planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. Always refer to your aircraft's POH/AFM, current NOTAMs, and official weather briefings. No calculator is a substitute for pilot-in-command judgment or CFI guidance.
Regulatory content: 14 CFR 91.151, 14 CFR 91.167 • Last reviewed: 2026-07-30
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