According to dispatch rules, when does an alternate stop being an alternate and become the destination?

• A. When the nose is pointed toward it
• B. When the plane reaches the alternate
• C. When fuel runs low
• D. When weather improves

Answer: (B)

The situation hinges on how flight planning treats a backup landing. An alternate is a backup landing site that you plan to use if the primary destination isn’t viable. It becomes the actual landing destination only when the aircraft arrives at the alternate and you intend to land there. Until then, it remains designated as the alternate in the plan. This distinction matters for fuel and regulatory planning, since you must have enough fuel to reach the alternate and satisfy any required reserves after arrival. Merely turning toward the alternate, or changes in fuel or weather at the destination, don’t switch its status—the landing destination becomes the actual destination only at the moment you arrive at the alternate and complete the landing there.