If destination weather is 3000-3 or better, is alternate filing required?

If destination weather is 3000-3 or better, is alternate filing required?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for alternate airports
• D. Only if the weather is below minimums

Answer: (B)

In IFR planning, you file an alternate only if the forecast at the destination does not meet the minimums for the approach you’ll use, for ETA plus or minus an hour. The 3000-3 figure is a common practical threshold used to decide this. If the destination forecast shows a ceiling of 3000 feet and visibility of 3 miles or better, you have enough weather at the destination to execute a safe approach and landing, so you don’t need to designate an alternate.

So, with destination weather 3000-3 or better, alternate filing is not required.