Weather Criteria - P-3050122

CHAPTER FOUR

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES WORKBOOK

4.9 State whom can/cannot use radar approach minimums as the basis for selecting an alternate

airport.

4.10. State the effective time frame of forecasted weather conditions for the alternate airport.

4.11. Recall the rules for filling out the Military Flight Plan (DD 175) form according to the

Department of Defense Flight Information Publication (General Planning).

4.12. Recall specific information which is entered in the Military Flight Plan (DD 175).

402. WEATHER CRITERIA FOR FILING AND THE DD 175 MILITARY FLIGHT

PLAN

Weather Criteria

All pilots are responsible for a complete and thorough knowledge of weather conditions for

every flight. The NATOPS General Flight and Operating Instructions Manual (OPNAVINST

3710.7) sets down the specific criteria to be used. It is the responsibility of the pilot-in-command

to see that the flight meets these criteria.

Paragraph 5.2.2 of OPNAVINST 3710.7S states:

Although the choice of flight rules to be followed is normally dictated by weather and

mission considerations, sound judgment plays a most important role. There are occasions

when VFR may be legally followed by applying the appropriate visibility and cloud

clearance criteria. This prerogative should be exercised with reasonable restraint. The

established weather criteria are minimums. The pilot should allow a greater margin of

safety when operational requirements permit, particularly in terminal areas or when

reduced visibility or cloud conditions make flight under VFR questionable. Pilots shall file

and retain an IFR clearance to the maximum extent practicable consistent with mission

accomplishment.

In order for a Navy/Marine Corps pilot to file a VFR flight plan, certain meteorological

conditions must exist. These weather conditions must permit VFR operations for the entire

duration of the flight. Weather minimums will be based on existing weather at point of departure

and forecast weather for the enroute and destination portions of the flight. The weather

forecasted at the destination must remain at or above minimums during the period one hour

before until one hour after the estimated time of arrival (ETA). The departure and the

destination's minimum weather for VFR flight will normally be at least 1000 foot ceiling and 3

miles visibility (basic VFR minimums). Higher minima will be noted in the airport remarks

section of the DOD FLIP IFR Enroute Supplement.

The cloud separations and visibilities listed in the following diagram must be adhered to during

the enroute phase of the flight (Figure 4-1).

4-2 INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES