What are the standard IFR fuel requirements?

The standard IFR fuel requirements stipulate that an aircraft must carry enough fuel to reach its destination airport, then to an alternate airport if one is required, and additionally, enough fuel to fly for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed after reaching the alternate. This comprehensive fuel requirement ensures that pilots have sufficient reserves to handle unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather or temporary closures of the destination airport, which might necessitate diverting to an alternate.

The rationale behind including the alternate fuel requirement, along with the 45 minutes of extra fuel, is to enhance safety and preparedness during flight operations in the IFR environment, where weather or other factors can rapidly change. Thus, selecting the option that incorporates getting to the destination, the alternate, and sufficient extra fuel is crucial for compliance with IFR fuel regulations and overall flight safety.