Help. I'm a CFII and I feel either a.) surrounded by idiots, or b.) an idiot myself.

This is the situation. It is a clear blue and a million day. I am filing an IFR flight plan for a flight to an airport WITHOUT an IAP. Must I file an alternate just because this airport does not have an approach? I was under the impression that if the weather at your destination was GREATER THAN the 1-2-3 rule, you were kosher to NOT file an alternate. Please shed some light on this.

Thanks.

Yes.
Its kind of double speak, but 91.169 says a2 (the 1-2-3 rule) does not apply if the first airport had an IAP AND you are good to to go on 1-2-3. No IAP and you don't get to try out the 1-2-3 rule. 91.169 says you must have an ateranate unless you can escape with 91.169b 1&2.

So if the first airport, I.e. the DESTINATION, doesn't have an IAP, even if VMC prevails, you must file an alternate???

Yes you do need to file an alternate airport if your destination does not have an instrument approach procedure. It is straight from FAR 91.169 (b) (1). Not worded in the best way to understand it but it's there.

yes, you guys are right. i'm the idiot. But man, I'm usually real good with deciphering the regs, that one I had to read and re-read at least 10 times to get it. thanks.

So do you have to file to an airport or can you file to a fix?

This is a good question. I believe a composite flight plan would get you out of that reg. File to a nearby fix, and then file the rest VFR. I'd have to revisit the regs, but this sounds feasible.

Yes you can do that. I don't think there are even any regulatory limits regarding Wx at the fix either, but common sense obviously is required. You cancel IFR at the clearance limit, unless you change your mind and desire further IFR clearance (ie back to point of origin).

Unlike BLott4 I don't think it's double-speak. I think the problem is the way it's usually taught.


It's taught as though filing the alternate is the exception. IOW, "you only have to file an alternate when..."

I think the rule is more understandable if it's taught the way the rule puts it:
==============================
... each person filing an IFR flight plan must include in it the following information:
...Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an alternate airport.
==============================
IOW, "you always have to file an alternate unless certain conditions apply."

Those conditions are pretty clearly stated: an instrument approach procedure for the destination and the "1-2-3" weather rule.

This is how I teach my trainees in the 99 and as a personal habit of my own. Great post NoyGonnaDoIt!!!