FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Flight Planning and PerformanceMedium
A Part 121 two-engine turbojet operator's OpSpecs contain no authorized takeoff minimums for a specific airport. Per 14 CFR 121.651, what is the default takeoff visibility minimum that applies?
- A3/4 statute mile
- B2 statute miles
- C1 statute mile
- D1/2 statute mile
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 1 statute mile
Under 14 CFR 121.651(c), if takeoff minimums are not otherwise prescribed for an airport in the operator's OpSpecs, the default is 1 statute mile visibility for aircraft with two engines or less, and 1/2 statute mile for aircraft with more than two engines.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Not a standard default minimum under 121.651.
- B. Higher than the regulatory default minimum.
- D. This is the default for aircraft with more than two engines, not two engines or fewer.
Default Takeoff Minimums (121.651)
When an operator's OpSpecs do not specify takeoff minimums for an airport, 14 CFR 121.651 sets default visibility minimums based on the number of engines.
- 1 SM default for aircraft with 2 or fewer engines
- 1/2 SM default for aircraft with more than 2 engines
- OpSpecs-authorized minimums override the default when applicable
Memory trick: 'Two or less, one mile is best' — more engines lower the requirement.