FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

When is an alternate airport for the destination required for a flight?

1. When the destination airport has a runway shorter than 3,000 feet.

2. When weather conditions at the destination airport are below standard minimums.

3. When the aircraft has more than one engine.

4. When the flight is over a mountainous area.

The correct answer is: When weather conditions at the destination airport are below standard minimums.

An alternate airport for the destination is required when weather conditions at the destination airport are below standard minimums. This rule is grounded in ensuring safety; if the weather at the destination deteriorates to a point where the required visual or instrument flight rules cannot be met, having an alternate airport provides an additional option for landing. Flight operations often require that pilots and dispatchers consider the possibility of an unexpected change in weather; therefore, if conditions at the primary destination do not meet the established minimums for a safe approach and landing, an alternate airport must be designated. This serves as a critical safety net, allowing for a safe landing in more favorable conditions should the need arise. The other circumstances may be factors of flight planning and safety considerations, but they do not universally mandate the selection of an alternate airport in the same way that reduced visibility and poor weather conditions do. For instance, while a short runway or mountainous terrain can create challenges, they are not absolute triggers for requiring an alternate airport. Instead, they would be assessed based on specific flight parameters and operational considerations.