It All Adds Up

Elaine Kauh

Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 09:06 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

IFR flight planning under §91.167 requires sufficient fuel to land at the destination, then fly to a designated alternate, and finally cruise for 45 minutes, with the FAA clarifying this means an *actual landing* at the destination.
Multiple seemingly minor factors like passenger baggage, strong headwinds, altitude choices, and air traffic control restrictions can cumulatively impact fuel burn and ground speed, potentially making a conservative flight plan fall short of regulatory or safety margins.
Pilots must remain flexible and be prepared to make adjustments—such as reducing payload, making intermediate stops, or altering the route—when cumulative challenges threaten to compromise regulatory compliance or flight safety.

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Three hours in a single, even a roomy one like the sturdy Piper Dakota, seems to be about the maximum sitting time for most PICs and especially their passengers. It also happens to be a good time to refuel, as the typical four-to-five-hour endurance allows for landing with ample reserves when it’s time for a break.

This makes Miles City, Montana (KMLS) a perfect weekend fishing getaway by air—you and two family members can be there in just under 2.5 hours from Bismarck, North Dakota (KBIS). Plenty of time, plenty of fuel. Now, that’s with no wind, no weather, and no changes. No such cross-country flight ever really happens, but we can always wish…