What is the purpose of a "Fuel Reserve" according to aviation regulations?

A "Fuel Reserve" serves as a safety buffer to ensure a safe arrival at the intended destination, which aligns with aviation regulations that emphasize safe operational practices. The fuel reserve is the minimum amount of fuel that must be maintained to account for unforeseen circumstances during flight, such as weather changes, air traffic delays, or other operational issues that may require the aircraft to hold additional fuel.

By having this reserve, pilots can ensure they have adequate fuel to reach their destination safely even if they encounter unplanned scenarios along the way. This regulation emphasizes the importance of safety in aviation operations, requiring the consideration of factors that could impede a direct flight to its destination.

The other options, while related to fuel management, do not capture the primary intent of the fuel reserve as strictly focused on safety and ensuring a safe arrival.