Chapter 7 - Dispatch

Question 1

Lower than standard alternate wx minimums are authorized for:
FOM 7.1.13

Answer 1

airports with an approved instrument approach from table 7.1.4 Alternate airport minimums

Question 2

At airports without an approved instrument approach, what are the requirements to use the airport as an alternate?
FOM 7.1.13
OpSpec C055

Answer 2

Ceiling and visibility must allow descent from MEA and to approach and land in VFR conditions at ETA at the alternate.

Question 3

Alternate airport minimums
FOM 7.1.13
Table 7.1.4

Answer 3

For airports with at least one operational navaid:
- add 400ft to MDA or DH
- add 1sm to visibility mins

For airports with at least two operational navaids, each providing straight in approaches to different runways (can be same piece of pavement):
- add 200ft to MDA or DA
- add 1/2sm to highest minimums.

Question 4

When do we need a takeoff alternate?
FOM 7.1.14
FAR 121.617

Answer 4

• Wx conditions at departure airport are below Cat I landing mins
• other operational conditions (volcanic ash, curfew, etc) precludes a return to dep airport

Takeoff alternate not >1hr away, at normal cruise, in still air, with one engine inop (280nm in 737)

Question 5

When a TO alternate is listed, what do the wx conditions (reported or forecast) have to be at the alternate?
FOM 7.1.15

Answer 5

Wx must be at ETA, above Alternate Airport Minimums (FOM table 7.1.4)

(One naviad or two navaid)

Question 6

When do we need a destination alternate?
FOM 7.1.15

Answer 6

1-2-3 rule
1hr before to 1hr after ETA, ceiling <2,000ft or vis <3 miles, need an alternate.

If Wx conditions for destination and first alternate are marginal, at least one additional alternate must be designated.

Question 7

Define marginal weather?
FOM 7.1.16

Answer 7

Marginal wx is defined as both DEST and first ALT forecast to be 600-2 or lower.

Note: if any single element of cig or vis at DEST or first ALT exceeds 600-2, the condition is not considered marginal.

Question 8

When do we need a new or amended flight release?
FOM 7.1.4

Answer 8

-change of aircraft
-change of alternate
-change of MEL item
-change of aircraft performance limitations
-if ZFW is grater than planned ZFW by 4,000lbs
-of delayed >4hrs from planned departure time (ETD).

Question 9

Can we depart/operate under VFR?
FOM 7.1.8
and
FOM 10.1.38

Answer 9

Yes, if no ATC facility and unable to obtain IFR clearance, we may depart VFR

Must pick up clearance no further than 50nm from dep airport
-Visibility at least basic VFR (1,000ft and 3sm)
-remain VMC until clearance received
(FOM 10.1.38)

Question 10

Airports without operating control tower:
FOM 7.1.10

Answer 10

Class G airspace and uncontrolled airports authorized when
-airport served by IAP
-has approved source of WX
-airport has suitable means for traffic advisories, airport services status and facilities
-facilities and services necessary to conduct safe IFR ops
-all ops conducted under IFR

Airports without operating control tower may be used as DEST, ALT, or diversion airports.