If destination weather is 0-0 up to but not including published minimums, what alternate airfield weather is required for preflight filing?

If destination weather is 0-0 up to but not including published minimums, what alternate airfield weather is required for preflight filing?

• A. 3000-3 or better
• B. 2000-1 or better
• C. 4000-2 or better
• D. 3500-2 or better

Answer: (A)

When destination weather can’t meet published minimums, you must plan for an alternate. The forecast weather at the alternate, for the ETA (and the appropriate window around it), must meet at least 3,000 feet of ceiling and 3 miles of visibility, or be better. This minimum ensures the alternate has workable instrument approach minima and a safe margin for arrival and landing. In this case, with destination weather forecast to be below minimums (0-0 up to but not including minimums), the alternate must meet the 3,000-foot ceiling and 3-mile visibility threshold. That’s why the correct choice is 3000-3 or better. The other options don’t meet that standard, either having too little visibility or too low a ceiling to be considered an acceptable alternate.

When destination weather can’t meet published minimums, you must plan for an alternate. The forecast weather at the alternate, for the ETA (and the appropriate window around it), must meet at least 3,000 feet of ceiling and 3 miles of visibility, or be better. This minimum ensures the alternate has workable instrument approach minima and a safe margin for arrival and landing.

In this case, with destination weather forecast to be below minimums (0-0 up to but not including minimums), the alternate must meet the 3,000-foot ceiling and 3-mile visibility threshold. That’s why the correct choice is 3000-3 or better. The other options don’t meet that standard, either having too little visibility or too low a ceiling to be considered an acceptable alternate.