Alternate Airports - QT

Lesson Quicktakes cover the items that should be memorized from each of the wifiCFI Lessons. They do not cover all of the lesson details in-depth.

WHAT IS AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT?

It is an airport included in a flight plan other than the destination airport.

WHEN WOULD I USE AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT?

It is used in case a pilot is unable to land at the destination airport due to weather or other emergency conditions.

WHEN IS AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT REQUIRED TO BE FILED?

1, 2, 3 Rule:

1 hour before to 1 hour after the ETA check to make sure:

The ceiling are greater than 2,000’ at the Destination Airport and,

The visibility is greater than 3 SM at the Destination Airport.

STANDARD ALTERNATE AIRPORT WEATHER MINIMUMS:

Airports with a Precision Approach Procedure:

Minimum Ceiling Requirement = 600’.

Minimum Visibility Requirement = 2 SM.

Airports without a Precision Approach but with a Non-Precision Approach:

Minimum Ceiling Requirement = 800’.

Minimum Visibility Requirement = 2 SM.

Airports without an Instrument Approach Procedure:

Ceiling and visibility must allow a descent from the MEA down to the Alternate Airport (and landing) under VFR Conditions.

IFR FUEL REQUIREMENTS:

Without an Alternate Airport = Destination + 45 min.

With an Alternate Airport = Destination + Alternate Airport + 45 min.