SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-alternate-omit

You can skip filing an alternate if forecasts show what ceiling and visibility from 1 hour before to 1 hour after arrival?

Ceiling 2,000 feet and visibility 3 miles.

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  1. 1,000 feet and 3 statute miles
  2. 2,000 feet and 1 statute mile
  3. 2,000 feet and 3 statute miles ✔

Why: Under 91.169(b), no alternate is needed if an instrument approach exists at the destination and forecasts show at least a 2,000 foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. Those must hold from 1 hour before to 1 hour after your ETA.

Huh, didn't know that: For helicopters the rule uses a ceiling of at least 1,000 feet (or 400 feet above the lowest approach minimums, whichever is higher) and 2 miles visibility.

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"Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive."
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References

Answer: 2,000 feet and 3 statute miles. Under 91.169(b), no alternate is needed if an instrument approach exists at the destination and forecasts show at least a 2,000 foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. Those must hold from 1 hour before to 1 hour after your ETA.

  1. 14 CFR 91.169 IFR flight plan: information required www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.169
    the ceiling will be at least 2,000 feet above the airport elevation
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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FlyingAn alternate airport has no instrument approach. What must its forecast weather allow?FlyingATC will not clear a visual approach unless reported weather is what ceiling and visibility?FlyingA ceiling of 700 feet and visibility of 2 statute miles falls in which flight category?

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