A dispatcher is evaluating whether an alternate airport is required for a flight, and if so, what alternate minimums apply. The alternate airport has only a nonprecision approach published, with a ceiling forecast of 900 feet and visibility of 2 statute miles at the ETA. Using the standard alternate minimums (the '1-2-3' rule reference), can this airport be filed as the alternate?
- ANo, because standard alternate minimums for a nonprecision approach require at least 800-2, and this exceeds that, so it can be filed
- BYes, because forecast conditions of 900-2 meet or exceed the standard nonprecision alternate minimums of 800-2
- CYes, but only if the airport also has a precision approach available as a backup
- DNo, because only airports with precision approaches may ever be filed as alternates
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Yes, because forecast conditions of 900-2 meet or exceed the standard nonprecision alternate minimums of 800-2
Standard alternate minimums under 14 CFR 91.169 are 600-2 for a precision approach and 800-2 for a nonprecision approach, unless the approach chart specifies different alternate minimums. A forecast of 900 feet ceiling and 2 SM visibility meets and exceeds the standard nonprecision alternate minimum of 800-2, so the airport qualifies as a legal alternate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The wording is contradictory; 900-2 does exceed 800-2, meaning it qualifies, not disqualifies.
- C. There is no requirement for a backup precision approach at the alternate.
- D. Nonprecision-only airports can absolutely be filed as alternates using 800-2 minimums.
Standard Alternate Minimums (14 CFR 91.169)
When an alternate airport's approach chart does not list specific alternate minimums, standard minimums apply: 600-2 for a precision approach and 800-2 for a nonprecision approach, based on forecast conditions at ETA.
- 600-2 = precision approach standard alternate minimum
- 800-2 = nonprecision approach standard alternate minimum
- Applies only if chart doesn't list 'NA' or other specific minimums
- Some airports/approaches list nonstandard alternate minimums or are not authorized as alternates (NA)
Memory trick: 6-2 for precision, 8-2 for non — remember 'six-two, eight-two'