14 CFR Part 91 · Subpart B · Flight Rules
14 CFR 91.151: VFR fuel requirements
Before a VFR flight, an airplane must carry enough fuel to reach the first intended landing point and then fly at normal cruise for 30 more minutes by day, or 45 minutes at night. A rotorcraft needs 20 minutes.
Section last amended December 30, 2016 · Text current as of October 15, 2026 · Also cited as FAR 91.151 · Read it on eCFR
14 CFR 91.151 in plain English
Common questions
- Does the reserve apply at the destination or the first stop?
- To the first point of intended landing, so a planned fuel stop is the point the reserve is measured to.
- Is 30 minutes enough?
- It is the legal minimum when the flight begins. Many schools and renters set a personal or company minimum of an hour.
Official text of 14 CFR 91.151
§ 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Verbatim from the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026.
(a)No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed:
(1)During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or
(2)At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.
(b)No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.