FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
A pilot wants to list an airport with no published instrument approach procedure as the IFR alternate on a flight plan. Under 14 CFR 91.169(c)(2), what condition must be met for this to be permissible?
- AThe airport must be within 25 nautical miles of the destination airport
- BThe airport must have a control tower in operation at the estimated time of arrival
- CThe pilot must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating
- DThe forecast ceiling and visibility at the ETA must allow descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The forecast ceiling and visibility at the ETA must allow descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR
91.169(c)(2) permits listing an airport with no approved instrument approach procedure as an alternate only if the ceiling and visibility forecast for the ETA allow descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. There is no distance restriction tied to this rule.
- B. A control tower has no bearing on alternate eligibility under this rule.
- C. Certificate level does not determine alternate airport eligibility.
Alternate Airport Without an Approach (91.169(c)(2))
An airport lacking a published instrument approach procedure may still be filed as an alternate if forecast weather permits a VFR descent, approach, and landing at the ETA.
- Applies only when no instrument approach procedure is published for that airport.
- Requires forecast ceiling/visibility supporting basic VFR descent and landing.
- Different from standard alternate minima (600-2/800-2) used when an approach exists.
Memory trick: 'No approach? No problem — just make sure VFR gets you down.'