When planning fuel for an IFR flight to an airport without an instrument approach, what must be included?

When planning fuel for an IFR flight to an airport without an instrument approach, it is crucial to consider both the direct flight to the destination and a potential diversion to an alternate airport. In this scenario, option A outlines an essential requirement of IFR flight planning, which mandates accounting for the fuel needed to reach not only the intended destination but also to fly to an alternate airport, as well as a reserve of 45 minutes of fuel for unanticipated circumstances.

The reasoning behind this requirement is to ensure that the aircraft has a sufficient amount of fuel to reach a safe landing location in case weather conditions or other factors prevent a safe landing at the primary destination. Since the destination lacks an instrument approach, which could further complicate the landing situation, having an alternate plan is critical. Additionally, including a reserve allows for added safety, providing a buffer for unforeseen delays or diversions.

In contrast, other options do not meet the IFR fuel planning requirements, as they either underestimate the necessary fuel for alternate routing or fail to account for essential reserve fuel, which is vital for maintaining safety during IFR operations.