In Case 3 scenario for Flight Planning for Alternates, what is true?

In Case 3 scenario for Flight Planning for Alternates, what is true?

• A. Destination weather ETA +/- 1 hr is at least 3000-3. No alternate needs to be filed (still put one on your flight log)
• B. Destination weather ETA +/- 1 hr is 0-0 up to published mins; alternate must be filed
• C. Destination weather ETA +/- 1 hr is published mins; alternate not required
• D. Destination weather ETA +/- 1 hr is at least 200-½; alternate not required

Answer: (A)

In Case 3, the decision about needing an alternate hinges on destination forecast weather at ETA plus/minus one hour. If that forecast shows a ceiling of at least 3,000 feet and visibility of at least 3 miles, you do not need to file an alternate in the plan. This level of weather provides enough reliability and margin to execute the destination approach without a backup airport being required for planning purposes. You should still have an alternate noted on your flight log as a precaution, but it isn’t required to be filed in the official plan when this weather criterion is met. Why this threshold is the focus: 3,000 feet and 3 miles represent a practical minimum for comfortable instrument approach and landing capabilities at the destination within the intended arrival window. If the forecast drops below that, the case for an alternate strengthens, hence the choice aligns with Case 3’s rule. The other thresholds described (extremely poor weather, or weather only up to the published minimums, or a modestly better-than-minimum forecast) either don’t meet Case 3’s criterion or would obligate an alternate under different planning rules.

In Case 3, the decision about needing an alternate hinges on destination forecast weather at ETA plus/minus one hour. If that forecast shows a ceiling of at least 3,000 feet and visibility of at least 3 miles, you do not need to file an alternate in the plan. This level of weather provides enough reliability and margin to execute the destination approach without a backup airport being required for planning purposes. You should still have an alternate noted on your flight log as a precaution, but it isn’t required to be filed in the official plan when this weather criterion is met.

Why this threshold is the focus: 3,000 feet and 3 miles represent a practical minimum for comfortable instrument approach and landing capabilities at the destination within the intended arrival window. If the forecast drops below that, the case for an alternate strengthens, hence the choice aligns with Case 3’s rule. The other thresholds described (extremely poor weather, or weather only up to the published minimums, or a modestly better-than-minimum forecast) either don’t meet Case 3’s criterion or would obligate an alternate under different planning rules.