In a ME-IR flight plan, which details should be specified for each alternate?

In a ME-IR flight plan, which details should be specified for each alternate?

• A. Only the alternate's city name.
• B. Suitability as an alternate, weather minima for legs and the alternate, approach availability at the alternate, ETA, and sufficient fuel to reach the alternate plus reserves.
• C. Pilot's preference for time zones.
• D. Color of runway lights.

Answer: (B)

In ME-IR flight planning the alternate isn’t just a name you hope to reach; you must prove it can actually be used if the primary destination becomes unavailable. That means for each alternate you specify several concrete details: its suitability as an alternate, the weather minima for the legs to get there and for operating from that airport, whether there are usable instrument approaches at the alternate, your estimated time of arrival there, and enough fuel to reach the alternate and still hold reserves. Suitability ensures the airport can safely accept an instrument approach and accommodate your aircraft, while weather minima tell you whether the forecast supports using that alternate. Approach availability confirms you can land there using published procedures, not guesswork. ETA provides timing for planning and ATC coordination, and sufficient fuel guarantees you can reach the alternate and comply with reserves. Naming only a city, worrying about pilot time zones, or considering things like the color of runway lights don’t provide the essential operational information needed to execute a safe diversion under instrument flight rules.

In ME-IR flight planning the alternate isn’t just a name you hope to reach; you must prove it can actually be used if the primary destination becomes unavailable. That means for each alternate you specify several concrete details: its suitability as an alternate, the weather minima for the legs to get there and for operating from that airport, whether there are usable instrument approaches at the alternate, your estimated time of arrival there, and enough fuel to reach the alternate and still hold reserves. Suitability ensures the airport can safely accept an instrument approach and accommodate your aircraft, while weather minima tell you whether the forecast supports using that alternate. Approach availability confirms you can land there using published procedures, not guesswork. ETA provides timing for planning and ATC coordination, and sufficient fuel guarantees you can reach the alternate and comply with reserves.

Naming only a city, worrying about pilot time zones, or considering things like the color of runway lights don’t provide the essential operational information needed to execute a safe diversion under instrument flight rules.