Alternate aerodrome
Flight planning
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An alternate aerodrome is a field you can divert to if landing at the destination is not possible or not advisable, for example because of weather, a closed runway or a fuel problem.
- German term
- Ausweichflugplatz
Choose alternates with suitable runway length and surface, opening hours and fuel, and check their weather and NOTAMs as well. Several options along the route are better than one at the end.
In practice
Decide on the diversion trigger before departure — e.g. cloud base, fuel or time — so the decision is quick in the air.
Related terms
Official sources
Content reviewed: 2026-11
For general information only. Always use official sources, your aircraft's flight manual and current national rules for flight decisions.