techaviator13

So if I need to file an alternate and all the airports in the area have the restriction in alternate minimums that says "NA when control tower closed" does that mean I just can't file it as an alternate but can still fly there and do the approach if I go missed at my destination and the control tower is in fact closed.

TI 3VOM

Yes, you are correct. You can not file it as an alternate if the control tower is closed, but you can still do an approach into there if you want to if you have communications with ATC. Remember that an alternate is only for when you have lost communications. If you are talking with approach, you can request an approach anywhere if you have to go missed at your destination airport, even if you have an alternate filed you dont have to go to the alternate. When I pick alternates, I always pick one that is very good VFR and is usually a good distance away from my destination. If I have to go missed at my destination because weather is below minimums, I just tell approach I want to either try it again, or go to another near by airport.

N9373M

I had a CFII tell me I could file my alternate to be the same as my destination, as long as it met the criterion for an alternate.

Any thoughts other than painting myself into a corner if the wx goes T-U.

TI 3VOM

I never heard this before, but my question would be in what situation would you want to do this? Filing your destination airport as your alternate defeats the purpose of having one. An alternate is only used for when you have lost communications and the weather at your destination airport is below minimums.

N9373M

Local IFR flight to maintain currency where the wx requires an alternate, but is forecast to improve???

TI 3VOM

Ok, but why not just chose another close by airport just to be safe? Only reason I could think of to use the destination as the alternate is if there are no other legal alternate airports within range of the aircraft.

rickair7777

I would argue that defeats the whole purpose, and would not pass muster with the FAA. Even if the wording in the regs is vague enough to make someone think they can get away with it I guarantee they will nail you anyway.

You can however use your departure airport as an alternate. Airlines do this all the time on short-haul routes.

techaviator13

Thanks guys for the clarification.

DC10Ben

I agree with Rickair7777...it does indeed defeat the purpose. Perhaps the original poster was confused and meant to say "file the departure airport as the alternate"...this is done regularly and as long as it meets the requirement of alternate is understandably perfectly legal.

aviationbill

I disagree with the comment that an alternate's only filing purpose is for lost comms. Filing an alternate has nothing at all to do with lost comms. Filing an alternate is a regulatory requirement that puts in place somewhere for the pilot to go if the weather has deteriorated below acceptable tolerances at the original destination.

Filing an alternate also ensures that a pilot has the required fuel to get somewhere safe and is not attempting to make the decision mid flight when he has just gone missed and his/her passengers are asking where they are going.

When alternate selection receives just as much attention as destination weather, the stress on the pilot is significantly reduced when things change. Flying 135 Charter in a jet its not often we go missed or go to the alternate but when we do, it's already decided, transportation knows what to expect, and the passengers know where they will end up.

Lastly, having your alternate approach plates ready to go and not fumbling around in the clouds especially at an unfamiliar airport is key to maintaining positive aircraft control and situational awareness.