FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsHard
A pilot filing IFR to an airport with only a nonprecision approach lists it as the alternate airport. The forecast weather for the estimated time of arrival at the alternate is a ceiling of 900 feet and visibility of 2 statute miles. Under 14 CFR 91.169(c), does this weather meet the alternate airport minimums?
- AYes, this meets the standard nonprecision alternate minimums of 800-2
- BNo, the required visibility for a nonprecision alternate is 3 statute miles
- CYes, but only if a precision approach is also available at that airport
- DNo, the ceiling must be at least 1,000 feet for a nonprecision approach alternate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Yes, this meets the standard nonprecision alternate minimums of 800-2
Under the 1-2-3 rule codified in 14 CFR 91.169(c), when only a nonprecision approach is available at the alternate, the forecast ceiling must be at least 800 feet and visibility at least 2 statute miles at the ETA. A forecast of 900 feet and 2 SM exceeds these standard alternate minimums, so the airport qualifies.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 2 SM, not 3 SM, is the standard nonprecision alternate visibility minimum.
- C. The nonprecision minimums apply regardless of whether a precision approach also exists.
- D. 800 feet, not 1,000 feet, is the standard nonprecision alternate minimum.
Alternate Airport Minimums (91.169(c))
Under the 1-2-3 rule, forecast weather at the ETA for an alternate must be at least 600-2 if a precision approach is available or 800-2 if only a nonprecision approach is available, unless the airport has no published standard alternate minimums.
- Precision approach alternate: ceiling 600 ft, visibility 2 SM
- Nonprecision approach alternate: ceiling 800 ft, visibility 2 SM
- Applies to forecast conditions at the ETA, not current conditions
- Part of the broader 1-2-3 rule for filing an alternate
Memory trick: '600-2 for precision, 800-2 for the rest.'