FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsEasy
A pilot filing an IFR flight plan lists an alternate airport that has both a precision and a nonprecision approach procedure published, with no special alternate minimums listed on the approach charts. Under 14 CFR 91.169(c)(1), what weather minimums must be forecast for the alternate at the estimated time of arrival?
- A800-foot ceiling and 2 statute miles visibility
- B400-foot ceiling and 1 statute mile visibility
- C600-foot ceiling and 2 statute miles visibility
- D1,000-foot ceiling and 3 statute miles visibility
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 600-foot ceiling and 2 statute miles visibility
Standard alternate minimums under 91.169(c)(1) are 600-2 for an airport with a precision approach and 800-2 for one with only nonprecision approaches. Since this airport has a precision approach available, the lower 600-2 standard applies.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 800-2 applies only when just a nonprecision approach is available.
- B. Too low; not a standard alternate minimum.
- D. Not a standard alternate minimum used under 91.169.
Standard Alternate Minimums
Under 91.169(c)(1), when no alternate minimums are published, standard minimums are 600-2 for airports with a precision approach and 800-2 for nonprecision-only airports.
- 600-2 = ceiling 600 ft, visibility 2 SM (precision approach available)
- 800-2 = ceiling 800 ft, visibility 2 SM (nonprecision only)
- Applies only when specific alternate minimums are NOT published
Memory trick: 'Six hundred, two, precision will do' — precision gets the lower minimum.