Which statement about fuel planning is correct?

• A. Fly to destination, then to the most distant alternate
• B. Fly directly to the most distant alternate
• C. Skip the destination and go to alternate
• D. Abort the flight

Answer: (A)

The important idea is that fuel planning accounts for completing the planned trip and having a reliable fallback if conditions at the destination prevent landing. The best approach is to first plan fuel to reach the destination, and then plan to the most distant acceptable alternate. This ensures you always have enough fuel to land at the destination if possible, and if that isn’t feasible, you have a designated, legally adequate route to an alternate airport with enough fuel to get there plus reserves. Choosing the most distant alternate provides the maximum cushion for diversion while still meeting regulatory requirements.

Being able to divert is essential, but you don’t skip the destination in the plan or head straight to an alternate without considering the destination. Abort the flight isn’t a fuel plan at all.