What is the minimum fuel requirement for flag?

• A. Origin − Destination + 10% + to the most distant alternate + 30 minutes holding speed at 1500'
• B. Origin --> Destination + 10% + to the most distant alternate + 30 minutes holding speed at 1500'
• C. Destination only
• D. 60 minutes reserve

Answer: (B)

Minimum fuel for IFR flight is determined by three pieces: enough fuel to reach the destination, enough to reach the most distant alternate if landing there becomes necessary, and a built-in reserve for holding or delays. Additionally, a 10% contingency is added to cover headwinds, routing changes, and other unforeseen factors. Together these ensure you’re not stranded if something disrupts the planned route or timing.

The best choice expresses exactly that: fuel from the origin to the destination, plus 10% for contingencies, plus fuel to the most distant alternate, plus 30 minutes of reserve fuel at holding speed (1,500 ft reference). This aligns with regulatory guidance that you must be able to reach the destination, then an alternate if required, and still have a safety buffer for a standard holding pattern.

Choices that omit the alternate, omit the contingency, or call for an excessive reserve (60 minutes) don’t meet the required planning standard, which is why the correct option is the one that includes all four components.