During the first hour of flight planning, what is the approximate fuel burn in gallons per hour?

• A. 75 gal/hr
• B. 60 gal/hr
• C. 1 gal/min
• D. 500 lbs/hr

Answer: (A)

During the first hour of flight planning, you’re accounting for higher fuel flow due to the climb and higher power settings, not just cruise. The PC-12 NGX typically uses more fuel while climbing, so an approximate burn around 75 gallons per hour reflects that initial substantial consumption before leveling off in cruise.

The 60 gallons per hour figure is closer to steady cruise burn, where power is reduced. Saying 1 gallon per minute is the same as 60 gallons per hour, but it doesn’t capture the climb increase in the first hour. The 500 pounds per hour is a weight-based figure and would only translate to about 75 gallons per hour if you convert using fuel density; however, planning usually uses gallons per hour for consistency. Therefore, the best estimate for the first hour is about 75 gallons per hour.