For how long should a pilot expect to be able to fly under VFR with the fuel carried, as per regulations?

The correct answer specifies that a pilot should expect to fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to their destination and then have a reserve of fuel for an additional 20 minutes. This guideline is crucial for ensuring that pilots maintain a safety buffer in their fuel management, allowing for unexpected circumstances such as needing to divert to an alternate airport or holding in a traffic pattern.

Regulatory guidelines are designed to mitigate risks associated with fuel management. By ensuring that a pilot has enough fuel for the flight plus a 20-minute reserve, this approach helps accommodate potential delays and encourages better planning. It highlights the importance of being prepared for variability in flight operations and helps pilots manage their fuel resources effectively.

Other answers might suggest different scenarios that do not align with the emphasis on safety and reserve fuel requirements outlined in regulations. For instance, flying only to the destination without a safety reserve or suggesting a return to the takeoff point does not account for the necessity of a buffer in uncertain conditions, which is why the correct option emphasizes the additional 20 minutes.