Fuel Consumption Calculator
Calculate fuel consumption, range, and endurance for accurate flight planning with reserve fuel calculations.
Fuel Planning Calculator
Aircraft & Fuel Information
Flight Planning
Performance Factors (Optional)
Fuel Calculations
Fuel Planning Guidelines
VFR Requirements
- Day: 30 minutes reserve
- Night: 45 minutes reserve
- Plus alternate if required
IFR Requirements
- 45 minutes reserve minimum
- Alternate airport fuel
- Contingency fuel recommended
Safety Factors
- Consider weather diversions
- Account for climb/approach fuel
- Plan for traffic delays
Fuel Flow Reference
Fuel Planning Regulatory Requirements
FAA Requirements (United States)
14 CFR 91.151 - VFR Fuel Requirements
Day VFR flights must carry enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes.
14 CFR 91.153 - IFR Fuel Requirements
IFR flights must carry sufficient fuel to complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing, fly from that airport to the alternate (if required), and fly after that for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
14 CFR 91.167 - IFR Alternate Requirements
Specifies when alternate airports are required and affects fuel planning calculations for extended IFR operations.
AC 91-74B - Pilot Guide to Flight Planning
Provides comprehensive guidance on fuel planning methodologies, emphasizing conservative fuel calculations and contingency planning.
EASA Requirements (Europe)
SERA.5005(f) - Pre-flight Action
Commanders must determine that the aircraft carries sufficient fuel for the planned operation, plus reserves for contingencies and alternate aerodromes.
NCO.OP.125 - Fuel Requirements VFR
VFR flights must carry sufficient fuel for the planned flight plus 30 minutes at normal cruising consumption, or to the nearest suitable aerodrome plus 30 minutes.
NCO.OP.130 - Fuel Requirements IFR
IFR flights must carry fuel for the destination plus alternate aerodrome (when required) plus final reserve of 45 minutes at holding speed.
Critical Fuel Planning Safety
Legal Minimums vs. Safe Practices
Regulatory minimums are absolute legal requirements. Professional pilots typically carry additional fuel beyond minimums to account for weather changes, traffic delays, and operational contingencies.
Fuel Exhaustion Statistics
Fuel-related accidents remain a leading cause of aviation incidents. Many occur when pilots operate at or near regulatory minimums without additional safety margins.
Weather Impact
Headwinds, altitude changes, and route deviations can significantly increase fuel consumption beyond planned amounts. Always plan for meteorological contingencies.
Professional Best Practices
Conservative Planning
- Use higher fuel flow rates than published
- Plan for headwinds and weather delays
- Add extra fuel for training flights
- Consider airport fuel availability
En Route Monitoring
- Monitor actual vs. planned fuel burn
- Calculate revised arrival fuel regularly
- Identify diversion points with fuel
- Reassess weather impact continuously
Risk Management
- Establish personal fuel minimums above legal
- Plan multiple fuel stops for long flights
- Consider weight-fuel trade-offs
- Brief passengers on fuel considerations