FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What factors contribute to determining if an aircraft requires an alternate airport?

1. Manufacturer specifications and weather forecasts

2. Runway length and aircraft model

3. Weather conditions and expected visibility

4. Fuel capacity and passenger loads

The correct answer is: Weather conditions and expected visibility

The determination of whether an aircraft requires an alternate airport is largely influenced by weather conditions and expected visibility. This is primarily due to regulations established by aviation authorities, which mandate that if the weather conditions at the intended destination are below certain minimums (for example, if visibility is limited or there are significant weather phenomena such as storms), the flight must identify an alternate airport where the weather is forecasted to be acceptable. Weather conditions directly affect flight safety; if the forecast predicts low ceilings, reduced visibility, or severe weather at the destination airport, dispatchers must ensure there is a reliable alternate option to divert to in order to maintain the safety of the flight and its occupants. This reflects the critical importance of operational safety in flight planning. Regarding the other factors mentioned, while manufacturer specifications and runway characteristics are important considerations in flight operations, they do not directly dictate the need for an alternate airport in the same way that weather does. Fuel capacity and passenger loads primarily relate to the aircraft's performance and logistical planning, but they do not determine the necessity for an alternate airport based solely on the conditions encountered at the destination. Thus, the emphasis on weather conditions and expected visibility makes this option the most relevant in the context of alternate airport requirements.