What fuel reserve is needed to return to the base of intended landing or alternate?

The correct answer is the planned fuel needed for recovery plus reserves. This choice emphasizes the importance of having a fuel strategy that not only accounts for the immediate fuel requirements for landing but also incorporates any potential contingencies or changes in the flight plan.

In aviation, calculating fuel reserves is critical for ensuring safety during flight operations. The planned fuel for recovery covers the anticipated fuel consumption to return to the base or an alternate airport, taking into consideration the aircraft's consumption rates during ascent, descent, and level flight. Adding reserves ensures that the fuel calculations include a buffer for unexpected situations like weather changes, holding patterns, or delays at the destination, which could increase fuel requirements.

This approach promotes safe operation under varying conditions and reduces the risk of fuel exhaustion. It’s a comprehensive method that pilots are trained to follow, ensuring that they always have enough fuel to manage any unforeseen developments, thereby maintaining operational safety throughout the flight mission.