In marginal weather, what are the published minimums for Destination and Alternate?

• A. Destination: 1000 feet and 3 miles; Alternate: 600 feet and 2 miles
• B. Destination: 600 feet and 2 miles; Alternate: 1000 feet and 3 miles
• C. Destination: 800 feet and 2 miles; Alternate: 500 feet and 1 mile
• D. Destination: 1200 feet and 4 miles; Alternate: 800 feet and 3 miles

Answer: (A)

When planning IFR in marginal weather, you must use the two sets of minimums that make a landing possible at the destination and a viable option if the destination won’t work: the destination must meet the published landing minimums for the approach you’ll use, and the alternate must meet the published alternate minimums. For most instrument approaches, the destination minimums are 1,000 feet of ceiling and 3 miles of visibility, meaning you need at least that weather to land at the destination. The standard alternate minimums used for planning are 600 feet of ceiling and 2 miles of visibility, ensuring the alternate is usable if conditions at the destination deteriorate. The choice that lists destination minimums of 1,000 feet and 3 miles and an alternate of 600 feet and 2 miles aligns with these planning rules, making it the best answer. The other options either swap these values or present nonstandard figures that don’t reflect typical IFR planning requirements.