IFR Alternates

Question 1

• When are you required to nominate an alternate aerodrome for an IFR flight?

Answer 1

The PIC of an aircraft operating under IFR must nominate at least 1 alternate aerdodrome in the flight plan unless:

• The destination aerodrome has a published instrument approach procedure in the AIP; and
• At the time of submitting the flight plan, the met forecasts, for at least 1 hour prior and 1 hour after the ETA indicate that:
  
  • The ceiling will be at least 1,000ft above the minima for the approach; and
  • Visibility will be at least 5km or 2km more than the minima published

Question 2

• Met minima for Alternate aerodrome with a Precision approach

Answer 2

• 600ft ceiling or 200ft above DA/DH, whichever is higher
• 3000m vis or 1000m above the minima, whichever is greater.

Question 3

• Met minima for Alternate aerodrome with a Non-Precision approach

Answer 3

• 800ft Ceiling or 200ft above MDA/MDH, ehichever is higher; and
• 4000m vis or 1500m above minima, whichever is greater.

Question 4

• Can you take off if the conditions at the aerodrome of departure are below landing minima.

Answer 4

• Yes

But you must nominate an alternate aerodrome within 60 minutes flying time in still air at one engine inop cruising speed.

Question 5

• A pilot can not list any aerodrome as an alternate unless it has…

Answer 5

Secondary power supply for:

• The nav aid to be used for an instrument approach
• Runway lights for night operations.

Question 6

• If the conditions at the destination aerodrome are below landing minima published in the AIP can the aircraft still depart?

Answer 6

Yes, but requires:

• At least one alternate that meets the ceiling and vis requirements of:
  
  • 1000ft above the alternate approach landing minima.
  • 5km vis or 2km greater then the alternate approach minina

Or

• 2 alternate aerodromes that meet the ceiling and vis requiements for alternate aerodromes. (PA: 600ft Ceiling or 200ft above DA/DH… etc)

(CAR 121.157)