Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

Filing an alternate airport is essential in the event that your destination airport lacks an instrument approach procedure. This is critical for ensuring that, under less-than-ideal weather conditions, you have a backup option that allows you to land safely. If there are no instrument approaches available, particularly in the context of potentially low visibility or poor weather, you may find yourself unable to land safely at your primary destination.

The requirements for filing an alternate focus on the need for a viable landing option in various scenarios and weather conditions. If your destination lacks an instrument approach, it does not provide a sufficient safety net, hence necessitating an alternative route to another airport where you can land under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules).

While issues like traffic and overnight stays may affect your flight planning, they do not inherently create a requirement to file an alternate. In contrast, having no instrument approaches directly impacts your ability to land safely in adverse conditions, fundamentally justifying the need for an alternate airport.