When is a takeoff alternate required?

• A. WX at departure is below landing mins. Must be within 1 hour at cruise, still air, single engine
• B. When there is high wind
• C. When load factor is high
• D. Only on international flights

Answer: (A)

Takeoff alternate planning exists to ensure there’s a safe landing option if you can’t land back at the departure airport after takeoff. The rule kicks in when the weather at the departure aerodrome is below its landing minimums. In that case, you must have a takeoff alternate that you can reach within one hour of flight time at normal cruise speed, with still air, and with one engine inoperative (for a two‑engine airplane). This one‑hour criterion ensures you have enough fuel, performance, and time to reach a suitable airport with acceptable approach minima if you lose climb performance or encounter other problems after departure. If the departure weather is at or above landing minimums and there’s a suitable alternate within that one-hour range, no additional takeoff alternate is required.