When does SkyWest require an alternate?

• A. Destination has no usable approach
• B. Thunderstorms are forecast
• C. RCC values of less than 3
• D. Max crosswind is predicted

Answer: (D)

Safety for landing hinges on staying within the airplane’s crosswind capability. SkyWest requires an alternate when the forecast maximum crosswind at the destination is predicted to exceed the aircraft’s demonstrated crosswind component for landing. In that situation, you can’t rely on safely executing a landing at the destination, so an alternate is planned to ensure you have a viable option if conditions don’t allow a safe approach and touchdown.

While other factors can also trigger an alternate—such as destination procedures being unavailable, weather below minimums, or runway conditions that would prevent a safe landing—this item focuses on the wind component. If thunderstorms or poor runway conditions are forecast, those can influence the decision as well, but the direct rule in this context is to plan an alternate when forecast crosswinds exceed what the aircraft can safely handle.