How much fuel reserve is required for day VFR flight?

For day VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight, the regulation requires that pilots carry at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve beyond their planned flight time. This fuel reserve ensures that the aircraft has adequate fuel to handle unforeseen circumstances, such as unexpected delays or deviations from the intended flight path, allowing the pilot to safely return to the original departure airport or to an alternate airport if necessary.

In day VFR conditions, having a 30-minute reserve is particularly important to account for potential changes in weather or air traffic, as it provides a buffer that enhances safety without overburdening the pilot with excessive fuel. Thus, having this reserve aligns with best practices in flight safety and operational readiness.