Why fuel planning matters
Fuel exhaustion remains a leading cause of general aviation accidents. 14 CFR 91.151 requires VFR flights to carry enough fuel to reach the destination plus 30 minutes of reserve during the day (plus 45 minutes at night). IFR flights under 14 CFR 91.167 require fuel to the first airport of intended landing, the alternate (if required), plus 45 minutes at normal cruise.
This calculator applies those FAA minimums automatically. Always cross-check against your POH performance charts, account for wind, and add a personal margin above the legal minimum.
For in-flight fuel monitoring and recalculation, the AeroCopilot AI copilot tracks your fuel state in real time and alerts you when reserve margins narrow.