What is the legal minimum fuel reserve for a day VFR flight?

The legal minimum fuel reserve for a day VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight is 30 minutes. This requirement is established to ensure that pilots have enough fuel to handle unexpected circumstances that may arise during the flight, such as needing to divert to an alternate landing site or encountering unplanned delays.

Having a minimum of 30 minutes of fuel reserve after reaching the destination allows for a safety margin, helping to mitigate risks associated with fuel exhaustion. This standard emphasizes the importance of planning for uncertainties in flight operations, maintaining safety as a priority throughout the journey. Understanding the rationale behind this regulation highlights the necessity of proper flight planning and preparation for all aviators.