Alternates

Question 1

File an Alternate Airfield for IFR Flight When:

Answer 1

1. A compatible instrument approach procedure is not available at the destination airfield
2. +/- 1 hour of ETA at the destination airfield, the WX forecast (including TEMPO conditions) indicates less than 2000’ and 3 statue miles vis
3. Forecast winds exceed aircraft limits +/- 1 hour of ETA
4. Denial of accommodation to RVSM airspace would prevent a Non-RVSm compliant aircraft or flight from reaching planned destination

Question 2

What other factors should you consider when looking at if you need to file an alternate?

Answer 2

1. All compatible approaches at destination require radar or GPS
2. Required nav aids will be unmonitored
3. Destination has no WX reporting capability
4. Airfields lowest compatible weather minimums are greater than or equal to 1,500’ ceiling and 3 statue miles vis

Question 3

What is required at a destination to file an alternate?

Answer 3

1. Prevailing weather at the alternate +/- 1 hour of the ETA, including TEMPO Conditions (excluding thunderstorms and rain/storm showers) is forecast to be at or above a ceiling of 1,000’, or 500’ above the lowest compatible approach minimums (whichever is higher) and a visibility of 2 statue miles or 1 mile above the lowest compatible approach minimums, whichever is higher
2. If no compatible instrument procedure is available, the weather must permit a descent from the minimum enroute altitude with an approach and landing under basic VFR
3. The 38 may file based on a GNSS-based instrument approach at either the destination or the alternate, but not both

Question 4

Do not select an airport as an alternate if any of what conditions exist?

Answer 4

1. All compatible approaches require an unmonitored NAVAID
2. Airfield does not report weather observations
3. Alternate not authorized symbol is displayed on all compatible approaches
4. Any note disqualifying the airfield or note disqualifying all compatible approaches in the IFR Alternate Minimums section (FLIP A designation)
5. Forecast winds exceed aircraft limits +/- 1 hour of ETA
6. Regardless of weather, access to RVSM airspace is required to reach the alternate for a RVSM non-compliant aircraft