Destination alternate
42.—(1)  Subject to paragraph (2), an AOC holder must select, and specify in the operational and ATS flight plans, at least one destination alternate aerodrome for every flight of a small aeroplane that is operated in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules.
(2)  A destination alternate aerodrome is not required for a flight of a small aeroplane that is operated in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules —
(a)when the duration of the flight from the departure aerodrome, or from the point of in-flight re-planning, to the destination aerodrome is such that, taking into account all meteorological conditions and operational information relevant to the flight, at the estimated time of use of the destination aerodrome, a reasonable certainty exists that —
(i)the approach and landing may be made under visual meteorological conditions; and
(ii)the destination aerodrome has separate runways that are usable, with at least one runway having an operational instrument approach procedure; or
(b)when all of the following conditions are met:
(i)the aerodrome of intended landing is isolated with no suitable alternate aerodrome;
(ii)a standard instrument approach procedure is prescribed for the aerodrome of intended landing;
(iii)the flight has been planned in accordance with regulation 46(6);
(iv)a point of no return is determined;
(v)the flight is continued past the point of no return only when a current assessment of meteorological conditions, traffic and other operational conditions at the aerodrome of intended landing indicate that a safe landing can be made at the estimated time of use.
(3)  An AOC holder must select, and specify in the operational and ATS flight plans, 2 destination alternate aerodromes for every flight of a small aeroplane —
(a)where the available meteorological aerodrome reports and forecasts for the destination aerodrome indicate that the meteorological conditions at the estimated time of use will be below the AOC holder’s established aerodrome operating minima for that operation; or
(b)where there is no available meteorological information for the destination aerodrome.
(4)  Subject to paragraph (5), an AOC holder must select, and specify in the operational and ATS flight plans, at least one destination alternate heliport for every flight of a helicopter operated in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules.
(5)  A destination alternate heliport is not required for a flight that is operated in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules —
(a)where the duration of the flight and the meteorological conditions prevailing are such that there is reasonable certainty that, at the estimated time of use of the heliport of intended landing and for a reasonable period before and after that time, the approach and landing may be made under visual meteorological conditions; or
(b)where the heliport of intended landing is isolated, no alternate heliport is available and a point of no return is determined.
(6)  An AOC holder must select, and specify in the operational and ATS flight plans, 2 destination alternate heliports for every flight of a helicopter departing to a destination heliport where the meteorological conditions at the estimated time of use of the destination heliport is forecast to be below the heliport operating minima.
(7)  The meteorological conditions at the estimated time of use of a destination alternate heliport selected in accordance with paragraph (6) —
(a)in the case of the first destination alternate, must be at or above the heliport operating minima for destination heliport; and
(b)in the case of the second destination alternate, must be at or above the heliport operating minima for an alternate heliport.
(8)  Regulation 36 of the Air Navigation (91 — General Operating Rules) Regulations 2018 does not apply to any flight of a relevant aircraft.