FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot is planning an IFR flight to an alternate airport for which the standard alternate minimums apply. The forecast for the estimated time of arrival at the alternate is 800-2. What are the standard alternate minimums for a precision approach at this airport?
- A800-2
- B600-1
- C800-1
- D600-2
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 600-1
For an airport with a precision approach, the standard alternate minimums are a ceiling of 600 feet and visibility of 1 statute mile. The forecast 800-2 meets these minimums.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 800-2 is the forecast, not the standard alternate minimums.
- C. 800-1 is not the standard for a precision approach; ceiling is too high.
- D. 600-2 is not the standard for a precision approach; visibility is too high.
Standard Alternate Minimums (Part 91)
For an airport to be listed as an alternate under 14 CFR Part 91, its forecast weather at the ETA must meet specific ceiling and visibility minimums.
- If airport has a precision approach: 600 ft ceiling, 1 SM visibility.
- If airport has a nonprecision approach: 800 ft ceiling, 2 SM visibility.
- If no instrument approach: VFR descent from MEA, then VFR conditions.
Memory trick: Precision is 6 & 1, Non-Precision is 8 & 2, No approach? VFR for you!