Last reviewed and updated:
Most authorities require an aeroplane flying VFR by day to land with at least 30 minutes of fuel, and 45 minutes at night or under IFR. The minutes look the same across countries, but the speed and power they are measured at differ, and that changes how much fuel you actually carry.
Minimum final reserve, side by side (aeroplanes)
| Authority | VFR day | VFR night | IFR (piston) | Measured at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAA (USA), 14 CFR 91.151 / 91.167 | 30 min | 45 min | 45 min after the alternate | Normal cruising speed |
| EASA (Part-NCO, private flying) | 30 min (10 min for a local flight in sight of the aerodrome) | 45 min | 45 min | Holding speed, 1,500 ft above destination |
| UK CAA (UK Part-NCO) | 30 min (10 min local) | 45 min | 45 min | Holding speed, 1,500 ft above destination |
| Transport Canada, CAR 602.88 | 30 min | 45 min | 45 min (30 min for turbo-jets) | Normal cruising speed |
| CASA (Australia), CASR Part 91 | 30 min (≤5,700 kg) | See Part 91 MOS Ch. 19 | 45 min | Per Part 91 MOS |
Helicopters have their own figures: 20 minutes for VFR in both the US and Canada.
These are private-flying minimums. Commercial operators, flying schools and clubs usually set higher company reserves. Always follow your operator’s or club’s rules if they are stricter.
Why “30 minutes” is not the same everywhere
The FAA and Transport Canada measure the reserve at normal cruising speed. EASA and the UK measure it at holding speed at 1,500 ft above the destination.
Holding usually burns less fuel per hour than cruise, so the same 30 minutes can be fewer litres under EASA rules. Plan with your POH figures for the power setting the rule specifies, not a rough average.
What counts toward the reserve, and what does not
The final reserve is fuel you plan not to use. Your trip fuel must separately cover:
- Taxi and run-up.
- The climb, which burns more than cruise.
- Cruise to the destination, using ground speed, not true airspeed. A headwind adds time and fuel.
- Approach, circuit and landing.
- Any diversion you can reasonably expect, such as weather or a busy airfield.
The time, speed and distance guide shows how to get the flight time, and the wind correction angle calculator gives the ground speed.
Worked example: day VFR, FAA rules
A trainer burning 8.5 US gal/h, 140 NM trip, 105 kt ground speed with the forecast headwind.
| Item | Time | Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi and run-up | — | 1.1 gal |
| Climb allowance | — | 1.0 gal |
| Cruise: 140 NM ÷ 105 kt | 1 h 20 min | 11.3 gal |
| Reserve: day VFR, 30 min at cruise | 30 min | 4.3 gal |
| Minimum on board | 17.7 gal |
At night the reserve rises to 45 minutes (6.4 gal), so the minimum becomes 19.8 gal. Most instructors would add a further personal margin of 30 minutes or more. Run your own numbers in the aviation fuel calculator, and convert gallons to weight with the fuel weight guide.
Common fuel-planning traps
- Planning with TAS instead of ground speed. A 20 kt headwind on a 1.5-hour leg adds roughly 20 minutes.
- Trusting the gauges. Dip the tanks or check them visually before flight.
- Unusable fuel. It is not part of your reserve. Check the POH figure.
- Leaning. Fuel burn charts assume correct mixture leaning; a rich mixture burns more.
- Treating the reserve as usable. If you will land with less than your final reserve, divert or land early.
FAQ
What is the minimum VFR fuel reserve in the US?
30 minutes at normal cruising speed by day, 45 minutes at night, for aeroplanes.
Is the EASA VFR reserve the same as the FAA’s?
The minutes match (30 day, 45 night), but EASA measures them at holding speed at 1,500 ft above the destination.
Can I fly a local flight with less reserve in Europe?
Yes. Under Part-NCO, a day VFR flight taking off and landing at the same aerodrome and staying in sight of it needs 10 minutes.
Does the reserve include unusable fuel?
No. Unusable fuel is never part of your reserve.
Reference only. Regulations change; check the current rules from your authority and your operator before flight.
Sources and further reading
- 14 CFR 91.151, Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions
- EASA Easy Access Rules for Air Operations (Part-NCO / Part-CAT fuel rules)
- Canadian Aviation Regulations, SOR/96-433 (section 602.88, fuel requirements)
- UK CAA: UK Part-NCO (fuel and energy scheme) and the CAA’s VFR guidance for private pilots
- CASA (Australia): CASR Part 91 and the Part 91 Manual of Standards (fuel requirements)
Sources checked November 2026. Rules differ between countries and change over time: for real flights, use the current publications of the authority that applies to you, your aircraft flight manual and your operator’s procedures.