FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsHard
An approach chart's alternate minimums section contains a triangle with an 'A' inside it (nonstandard alternate minimums symbol), rather than the standard NA symbol for alternate use. What must a pilot do when planning to use this airport as an alternate?
- ANothing additional; standard alternate minimums of 600-2 or 800-2 automatically apply
- BConsult the nonstandard alternate minimums listed in the front of the terminal procedures publication or on the chart itself
- CThe pilot must contact the FSDO for special authorization to use this airport as an alternate
- DThe airport cannot be used as an alternate under any circumstances
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Consult the nonstandard alternate minimums listed in the front of the terminal procedures publication or on the chart itself
The triangle 'A' symbol indicates the approach has nonstandard alternate minimums that differ from the standard 600-2/800-2 civil minimums, requiring the pilot to look up the specific nonstandard minimums published in the front matter of the approach chart booklet or digital equivalent.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Standard minimums do not apply when nonstandard minimums are indicated
- C. No special FSDO authorization is required; the information is published
- D. The NA (not authorized) symbol, not the triangle A, indicates the airport cannot be used as an alternate
Nonstandard Alternate Minimums Symbol
A triangle containing an 'A' on an approach chart indicating the airport has alternate minimums different from the standard 600-2 (precision) or 800-2 (nonprecision), requiring the pilot to consult published nonstandard minimums.
- Triangle 'A' = check nonstandard alternate minimums
- Triangle with 'NA' = approach not authorized as an alternate at all
- Standard alternate minimums: 600-1 precision / 800-2 nonprecision for civil airports (Part 91 default varies by AIM/IPH context)
Memory trick: Triangle A? Always check the chart's fine print.