What is the IFR fuel requirement for air taxis regarding alternate airports?

The IFR fuel requirement for air taxis concerning alternate airports mandates that an aircraft must have enough fuel to hold for a minimum of 30 minutes at 1,500 feet above the aerodrome of the alternate airport, assuming standard conditions. This provision ensures that, in the event of unfavorable weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, the aircraft has sufficient fuel reserves to remain safely airborne while awaiting the opportunity to land.

This requirement is especially crucial for air taxis, which often operate in varied and potentially unpredictable environments. By evaluating the fuel necessary to perform this holding maneuver, the regulation aims to enhance safety by ensuring that pilots have contingency plans for situations that may require additional time in the air before landing.

While considerations about alternate airport procedures involve various operational aspects, the primary focus here is ensuring that the aircraft can safely hold and wait for landing clearance, thereby maintaining safety standards during IFR flights.