Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

What is the specific fuel requirement for VFR night flights in an airplane?

1. Enough to return to departure airport

2. Enough to fly to the first point of intended landing and 45 minutes at cruising speed

3. Enough to fly for 30 minutes past the intended landing

4. Just enough for taxi and takeoff

The correct answer is: Enough to fly to the first point of intended landing and 45 minutes at cruising speed

For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) night flights, the requirement is to carry enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and then an additional 45 minutes at cruising speed. This regulation is in place to ensure that pilots have adequate fuel reserves in case of unexpected circumstances, such as needing to divert to an alternate airport due to changing weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other factors that could affect landing. This requirement ensures that pilots have a buffer beyond just reaching their primary destination, which is particularly important during night flights when visibility is reduced, and the pilot may face additional challenges in navigating and finding alternate landing sites. Thus, having the capability to continue flying for an extra 45 minutes provides a significant safety margin that can be crucial for successful flight operations. The other options do not meet the specific fuel requirements mandated for VFR night flights. Simply returning to the departure airport does not ensure enough fuel for potential unforeseen situations. Likewise, only flying for 30 minutes beyond the intended landing point fails to meet the adequate margins required for safety, and the requirement of just having enough fuel for taxi and takeoff does not take into account the need for safe landing and contingencies.