Rethinking the Role of the Alternate Airport
In cross-country flight planning – whether under VFR or IFR – pilots often default to placing their alternate airport near or even beyond the destination airport. This common approach can lead to trouble if unexpected weather or fuel considerations arise en route. A better strategy involves selecting an alternate airport at midnight – or slightly before or after – along the route of the flight. This positioning creates flexibility and gives pilots better options if conditions change mid-flight.
Why the Midpoint Makes the Best Alternate
For flights of around 200 nautical miles, selecting an alternate around 40-60% of the way through the route provides a natural decision point. At that stage, the pilot can evaluate flight conditions, fuel consumptions, passenger comfort, and weather trends. If anyone needs a restroom break, food, or rest, or if fuel is being consumed faster than anticipated, this midpoint alternate allows for a safe and planned landing. Having already researched the airport – frequencies, runway lengths and amenities – removes decision stress and enables better outcomes. Most importantly, this strategy avoids the pitfall of overcommitting to a destination when safer options are still behind the aircraft.
Leaving a Good Airport Behind Is Never the Right Call
One of the most important concepts in aviation decision-making is never to leave a good airport behind. If conditions appear to be marginal or deteriorating as the flight progresses, the midpoint alternate allows the flight to pause, reassess, and either continue with confidence or return if conditions worsen. For example, if weather turns bad after passing the midpoint, turning around and returning to a well-positioned alternate is often safer than pressing forward toward an uncertain destination. Fuel, weather, fatigue, or even minor discomforts are all valid reasons to consider stopping early. In flight planning, flexibility can be a lifesaver.
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