Destination minima vs alternate minima
Air Law / Operations
01 · Direct Answer
Destination operating minima govern approach continuation; alternate planning minima determine whether an aerodrome is suitable to nominate during flight planning.
02 · Operational Explanation
Approach minima apply when conducting a procedure. Planning minima add regulatory or operational buffers to the forecast conditions at an alternate so there is a reasonable expectation that it will remain usable.
03 · Why It Matters
Using approach minima as planning minima can create an alternate with no practical weather resilience.
04 · Key Considerations
05 · Visual Insight
Simplified concept view · Not for operational calculation
Air Operations
CAT.OP.MPA.185 — Planning Minima · Demo reference
Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft
Flight Preparation · Demo reference
Future operator answers will add locked, private references from company manuals, SOPs, fleet documents, training manuals, compliance records and safety reports.
07 · Confidence Level
Generally supported; specific confirmation is required. The distinction is clear, while exact increments depend on the applicable rules and operator scheme.
08 · Limitations / Safety Note
This static demonstration supports learning and pre-flight study only. Confirm operational decisions against current regulations, approved aircraft data, charts, NOTAMs and applicable operator procedures.