FAA Military Competency Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

For an airport to qualify as an alternate airport on an IFR flight plan, specific minimum conditions must be met, especially when there is no approved instrument approach available. The correct answer highlights the requirement for ceiling and visibility that permits descent, approach, and landing under basic VFR (Visual Flight Rules).

The justification for this requirement stems from the need for pilots to be able to safely conduct approaches and land in conditions that meet VFR standards, even if the airport lacks formal instrument approaches. This ensures that in the event of diverting to the alternate, pilots can operate under predictable and manageable weather conditions, allowing for safe landing.

To be more specific, basic VFR conditions typically mean a minimum ceiling of 1,000 feet above ground level and visibility of at least 3 miles. This setup provides sufficient margin for pilots to navigate and execute landing maneuvers without relying on instrument guidance, which is crucial when dealing with airports that do not have approved instrument approaches.

This answer aligns perfectly with the regulatory requirements regarding alternate airports while emphasizing safety and proper operational standards.