If a published limitation affects the planned alternate airport, what is the recommended course of action?

If a published limitation affects the planned alternate airport, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Recalculate and discuss with operations; may require diversion
• B. Proceed as planned regardless
• C. Fly to nearest airport regardless
• D. Cancel flight entirely

Answer: (D)

Having a usable alternate that meets required minimums is essential in flight planning. If a published limitation affects the planned alternate, the flight no longer has a compliant backup option. Operating with an invalid or compromised alternate increases regulatory and safety risk, so the safest and proper course is to cancel the flight rather than proceed. Recalculating with operations or seeking a diversion would only be viable if a new, compliant alternate could be identified. Since the planned alternate is affected by the limitation, there isn’t a viable backup under the current plan. Proceeding as planned would bypass the necessary alternate requirements, and attempting to fly to the nearest airport would still rely on an alternate that isn’t approved for this flight. Cancelling removes the risk and keeps operations compliant.

Having a usable alternate that meets required minimums is essential in flight planning. If a published limitation affects the planned alternate, the flight no longer has a compliant backup option. Operating with an invalid or compromised alternate increases regulatory and safety risk, so the safest and proper course is to cancel the flight rather than proceed.

Recalculating with operations or seeking a diversion would only be viable if a new, compliant alternate could be identified. Since the planned alternate is affected by the limitation, there isn’t a viable backup under the current plan. Proceeding as planned would bypass the necessary alternate requirements, and attempting to fly to the nearest airport would still rely on an alternate that isn’t approved for this flight. Cancelling removes the risk and keeps operations compliant.