Alternates

Question 1

Alternate airport requirements:
When do you need to file an alternate?
What must the WX be at the alternate?

Answer 1

FAR 91.169c
Remember: 1-2-3 Rule

1. You will need to file an alternate if from 1hr before your ETA, to 1hr after your ETA, the destination WX is below..
   - 2,000ft AGL ceiling
   - 3 SM viz
2. If an IAP is listed at the alternate it must meet the following
   a. The listed ALTERNATE wx mins OR…
   b. Non-Precision IAP = 800ft ceil,
   2 SM viz
   c. Precision IAP - 600ft ceil, 2 SM
   viz
3. If there is no IAP at the alternate, you must be able to descend from the MOCA or MEA to the airport under VFR

Question 2

When do you need to list an Alternate airport on your IFR flight plan?

Answer 2

FAR 91.169

1. When from 1hr before, to 1hr after your ETA the destination WX is BELOW a 2,000ft (AGL) ceiling and 3 SM viz.
2. When there is no IAP at your destination

Question 3

Does your alternate airport have to have an IAP?

Answer 3

No,

If it does not..
1. You must be able to descend from MEA to TPA in VMC conditions

Question 4

What are some important things to consider when choosing an alternate?

Answer 4

1. Type of IAPs available
2. Distance
3. Non-standard alternate mins
4. Weather & forecasts
5. Fuel requirements
6. Airport services available

Question 5

How will you determine the forecasted weather if your destination or alternate don’t have a TAF available?

Answer 5

AC-00-45

Use the Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) tool.
- Select the Ceiling and Visibility taps
- Use the Zulu time slider to check estimates for the 1-2-3 rule.

Question 6

What is the 1-2-3 rule?

Answer 6

FAR 91.169

When we need to file an alternate:

1. If from1hr before to 1hr after ETA
   a. Less than a 2,000ft AGL ceiling
   b. Less than 3 SM viz

Question 7

If operating under IFR and your destination airport does NOT have an IAP, what MUST be listed on the IFR flight plan?

Answer 7

FAR 91.169(b)
An alternate airport

Question 8

You pick a destination without an IAP, weather is expected to be 3000ft ceilings and 5 SM viz. Are you required to file an alternate airport?

Answer 8

FAR 91.169

YES, you must file an alternate anytime your destination does not have an IAP, regardless of WX.

** An alternate is only NOT required if you meet the WX requirements of the 1-2-3 rule

Question 9

When are you NOT required to file an alternate?

Answer 9

FAR 91.169

When two conditions are met

1. Your destination HAS an IAP
2. Your destination meets or exceeds the WX requirements of the 1-2-3 rule.

Question 10

If your IFR destination has no IAP, (because you expect VFR) what must be included in your filed flight plan?

Answer 10

An alternate airport

Question 11

Where can you find your Alternate airports weather minimums for filing as an alternate?

Answer 11

Check the Jeppesen 10-9 page, alternate filing mins will be listed there, standard or otherwise.

Question 12

What two instances require the filing of an alternate?

Answer 12

1. When your destination does not have not have an IAP
2. When between 1hr before and 1hr after your ETA, the destination WX will be below 2,000ft ceilings and 3 SM viz (1-2-3 rule)