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MadTrapper84 t1_j5ihm98 wrote

Reply to comment by ALittleSnooInMyPoo in Seattle-based Jetoptera is developing a vertical takeoff aircraft that can travel at almost 1,000 km/h with a radically simplified new type of engine. With almost no moving parts, it uses super-compressed air to create vortexes for thrust. by lughnasadh

Not a pilot, but yes they do take extra fuel. I believe it's like 5% of the trip total as extra for taxiing and weather reroutes, plus enough to get to an alternate airport if your destination is not viable. Plus aircraft carry an emergency reserve of 30 minutes worth of flight time. If you break into that last bit, you're likely declaring an emergency and ATC will give you priority sequencing to land.

You want to have enough for safety and wiggle room, but not just full to the brim as that's a lot of extra weight to carry around, which means you burn through fuel faster.

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