FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)IFR Procedures and ApproachesEasy
A pilot is planning an instrument flight to an airport. The approach chart for the destination airport has an 'NA' symbol in a black triangle on the plan view, next to the airport name. What does this symbol indicate concerning alternate airport planning?
- ANavigation Aids are Not Available for this approach.
- BAlternate airport is not required for this destination.
- CApproach is Not Authorized at night.
- DThis airport cannot be filed as an alternate airport.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. This airport cannot be filed as an alternate airport.
An 'NA' symbol in a black triangle on an approach chart indicates that the airport is not authorized to be used as an alternate airport, often due to lack of weather reporting, unmonitored NAVAIDs, or other factors that make it unsuitable for diversion.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This symbol relates to alternate airport eligibility, not NAVAID availability for the primary approach.
- B. This symbol does not waive the alternate airport requirement; it restricts using this airport as an alternate.
- C. This symbol relates to alternate airport eligibility, not night operations.
NA Symbol (Alternate Airport)
A black triangle with 'NA' on an approach chart signifies that the airport is not authorized to be used as an alternate airport for IFR flight planning.
- Typically due to lack of weather reporting or unmonitored NAVAIDs.
- Pilots must select a different airport as their alternate.
- Does not prevent the airport from being a destination, only an alternate.
Memory trick: NA in black triangle, No Alternate for you.