What is the method for calculating fuel reserves for IFR operations with an alternate for the Longitude 700?

• A. Determine trip fuel, add required reserves per policy, include alternate fuel as applicable, ensure total on board meets company requirements.
• B. Only count trip fuel; reserves are optional.
• C. Double the trip fuel.
• D. Ignore alternate fuel.

Answer: (A)

In IFR planning, you must ensure enough fuel by adding together three things: the fuel needed to complete the planned leg (trip fuel), the reserves defined by policy (the standard enroute, approach, and contingency reserves), and, if an alternate is planned, the fuel required to reach that alternate plus any additional hold/approach fuel for it. The total must meet or exceed the operator’s requirements. This approach is the best because it accounts for a safe margin against delays, weather, holds, or diversions, while also honoring the need for an alternate if one is planned. Counting only trip fuel neglects required reserves, doubling trip fuel isn’t a policy-based method, and ignoring alternate fuel isn’t acceptable when an alternate is part of the flight plan.