Now that I have familiarised myself with RC 3.0 I will start getting into the newly implemented realistic stuff we never had to worry about before. I will be back with more questions. The first is, can someone explain to me the general rules for choosing alternate airports, re: distance from main destination, size/type of aircraft etc. The relevant FARs would be of help as well as how to choose one in the sim. Where could I find out real alternates used by particular airlines for particular flights. Just thought of something what if I'm flying to say Medeira or Nauru and the nearest alternate is really far away?? Thanks.

The first is, can someone explain to me the general rules for choosing alternate airports, re: distance from main destination, size/type of aircraft etc. Joe,There are two primary factors of equal importance that must be considered when selecting an alternate. First: Is the airport suitable for my type of aircraft? Runway length, navaid and instrument approach facilities, ground service and passenger facilities. Second: Will the weather be at or above landing minimums at my time of arrival should I need to divert there? The relevant FARs would be of help as well as how to choose one in the sim The FAR's you would want to look at are 121.619 for domestic operations and 121.621 for flag operationsWhen the airline dispatchers are planning flights they are limited to using the alternate airports that have been approved for use in their company operations specifications. We can't just use any airport that we feel like using. The goal is to find an alternate airport that is as close to the destination as possible while still remaining clear of the weather that's requiring the alternate in the first place. At times this can be difficult, especially when you have widespread area's of low ceilings and visibility. Often times the planned alternate may be 400-500 miles away from the destination. In order to be able to legally plan an alternate it must meet certain forecast weather minimums. (FAR 121.625). If you reference page 77 and 78 in the RCv3 manual I've briefly outlined some general rules of thumb for alternates as well as how to derive alternate airport weather minimums.Where could I find out real alternates used by particular airlines for particular flights. Unless you happen to know a pilot or dispatcher from a particular airline there's really no way to know which airports are approved alternates in their operations specifications.what if I'm flying to say Medeira or Nauru and the nearest alternate is really far away?? If the weather dictates that you must plan an alternate for arrival then you must carry the fuel to meet that requirement even if it (unfortunately) means leaving passengers or payload behind. Another alternate airport requirement that I'm sure many people don't think about is the alternate airport for departure, or takeoff alternate. Most airlines have provisions in their operations specifications for departures when the visibility is as low as 600 RVR. If the visibility at the time of takeoff is below that airports landing minimums then a departure alternate must be planned. (FAR 121.617). This is required in case something happens on takeoff that would require an immediate landing. You couldn't return to the aiport you just departed from because it would be below landing minimums. You'd need to have somewhere to go.I wrote a small article on alternate airports a while back. I could convert it to PDF and if JD and Doug are agreeable, perhaps it could be posted on the Radar Contact site for download. Hope this gets you started and feel free to ask more questions!Michael CollierDispatcherSystem Operations ControlAmerica West Airlines

Wow, Mike! Thanks for the info. I'm printing it out myself, right now. :-)Rob

Mike,My biggest problem is finding an alternate to Athens that isn't a military airport. I've always wondered how alternates are selected in these types of places when the airports the big iron can land at are few and far between. There are a bunch of places like this.

Thanks Micheal. So in Rc I guess I'd have to alt-tab to fsmeteo to see if the alternate is above minimums. Will print out the relevant pages in the manual and the article would be appreciated.