What is Alternate fuel?

• A. Fuel used only for holding patterns.
• B. Fuel needed to reach the destination if needed.
• C. Fuel used for ground operations.
• D. Fuel needed to reach an alternate airport if the destination cannot be reached.

Answer: (D)

Alternate fuel is the extra fuel carried to be able to divert to an alternate airport if the destination cannot be reached for landing. It covers the flight to the alternate and includes the required reserves so you can complete the diversion safely. This is separate from fuel for actually reaching the destination (trip fuel) or fuel used during ground operations, and it isn’t specifically for holding patterns.