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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-alternate-no-approach

An alternate airport has no instrument approach. What must its forecast weather allow?

Descent from the MEA, approach and landing under basic VFR.

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  1. A 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility
  2. Descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR ✔
  3. A circling approach at another nearby airport

Why: 91.169(c) says an airport with no published approach is acceptable as an alternate only if forecast weather lets you descend from the MEA, make an approach and land under basic VFR.

Huh, didn't know that: That requirement is judged by the weather forecast for your ETA at the alternate.

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References

Answer: Descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR. 91.169(c) says an airport with no published approach is acceptable as an alternate only if forecast weather lets you descend from the MEA, make an approach and land under basic VFR.

  1. 14 CFR 91.169 IFR flight plan: information required www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.169
    the ceiling and visibility minima are those allowing descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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FlyingYou can skip filing an alternate if forecasts show what ceiling and visibility from 1 hour before to 1 hour after arrival?FlyingA precision approach alternate with no special alternate minimums needs what forecast ceiling and visibility at your ETA?FlyingYou lose radios in IFR conditions, then reach VFR conditions. What does 91.185 say?

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