How does a forecast deterioration after departure affect alternate planning for Latitude operations?

• A. Always avoid using an alternate regardless of forecast.
• B. Delay the decision until arrival.
• C. Change to the nearest airport automatically.
• D. If deteriorating weather jeopardizes the destination, evaluate the viability of the alternate and update the plan accordingly.

Answer: (D)

When forecast deterioration after departure occurs, you must re-evaluate the planned alternate and adjust the plan as needed. Conditions can change quickly, so the destination’s forecasted weather near your ETA may no longer meet arrival minimums or render it unsafe or impractical. In that case, you should assess whether the chosen alternate remains viable—consider whether it still has adequate weather, sufficient runway options, and the required fuel and time to reach it. If not, update the plan by selecting a different alternate with better forecasted conditions, or modify routing and fuel planning to maintain a safe, compliant option for a diversion. This keeps you prepared for an actual diversion scenario and aligns with sound flight planning practices.

The other options don’t fit because they either ignore the need for an alternate when conditions threaten the destination, postpone the decision until arrival, or automatically switch to the nearest airport without evaluating whether it’s suitable or feasible given the current weather, operational, and regulatory requirements.