NCO.OP.140 Destination alternate aerodromes — aeroplanes

SI No. 1290/2024

Text in magenta in force from 30 October 2025

For IFR flights, the pilot-in-command shall specify at least one weather-permissible destination alternate aerodrome in the flight plan, unless:

1. the available current meteorological information indicates that, for the period from 1 hour before until 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival, or from the actual time of departure to 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival, whichever is the shorter period, the approach and landing may be made under visual meteorological conditions (VMC); or

2. the place of intended landing is isolated and:

   1. an instrument approach procedure is prescribed for the aerodrome of intended landing; and

   2. available current meteorological information indicates that the following meteorological conditions will exist from 2 hours before to 2 hours after the estimated time of arrival:

      1. a cloud base of at least 300 m (1000 ft) above the minimum associated with the instrument approach procedure; and

      2. visibility of at least 5,5 km or of 4 km more than the minimum associated with the procedure.

The text below will replace the text above on 30 October 2025:

For IFR flights, the pilot-in-command of an aeroplane must specify at least one destination alternate aerodrome in the flight plan, unless the latest available weather information for the destination, for the period from an hour before the ETA to an hour after the ETA or the period from the actual time of departure to an hour after the ETA, whichever is the shorter, indicates that there will be a ceiling of at least 1000 ft above the DH or MDH for an IAP and a visibility of at least 5000 metres.