Do I Need an Alternate?

Question 1

When is an alternate airport required on an IFR flight plan?

Answer 1

You need to file an alternate IF:

1 Hour BEFORE & 1 Hour AFTER Estimate Time of Arrival

CEILING required to be at least 2000 ft above airport elevation

VISIBILITY required to be at least 3 SM visibility

Question 2

What are the requirements to use an airport as an alternate?

Answer 2

Alternate minimums are as follows:

For a PRECISION approach - Ceiling 600 feet and 2 SM visibility

For a NONPRECISION approach - Ceiling 800 feet and 2 SM visibility

Question 3

Assume an airport has no published instrument procedure, what are the requirements that must be met in order to file it as an alternate?

Answer 3

The weather must allow for descent from MEA, approach, and landing to be under basic VMC

Question 4

What does a triangular symbol with “A” in the middle signify on an instrument approach plate? How about the triangular “A” followed by “NA”?

Answer 4

“Alternate Minimums not standard”

“NA” signifies that the airport cannot be filed as an alternate

Refer to the image