How long must holding fuel be carried for an inter period?

The regulation requiring holding fuel for an inter period is established to ensure that aircraft have enough fuel to circle and wait for a clearance from air traffic control in the event of an unexpected delay upon arrival. The standard requirement for holding fuel is typically 30 minutes. This timeframe is sufficient for most general aviation scenarios where an aircraft might need to enter a holding pattern due to air traffic congestion or other delays, allowing pilots to safely manage their descent and approach while maintaining an appropriate safety margin.

While other options may mention different timeframes, the 30-minute requirement strikes a balance between being conservative enough to provide for contingencies without excessively burdening the flight with additional fuel that could affect performance and weight considerations. Carrying more than the prescribed holding fuel could lead to inefficient operations and may not always be practical in terms of weight and balance. Thus, adhering to the 30-minute rule is critical for operational safety and regulatory compliance.