What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight at night?

For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight at night, the requirement is to have a reserve fuel supply that accounts for 45 minutes of flight after reaching your destination. This regulation is in place to ensure that pilots have a sufficient margin of safety, especially since night flying presents additional challenges such as reduced visibility and potential difficulties in navigating and identifying landmarks.

The basis for this reserve requirement stems from the understanding that during nighttime operations, visibility is diminished, and pilots may need extra time to locate an alternate airport or to remain in a holding pattern if the conditions require it. The 45-minute reserve is specifically designed to give pilots enough fuel to safely handle unexpected situations, allowing them to make informed decisions about landing, diverting, or holding.

It is important for pilots to plan their flights accordingly, ensuring they comply with this fuel requirement so they can operate safely and effectively during night flights.