What is an alternate airport?

An alternate airport refers to an airport that is specified in a flight plan as a backup landing site in case the original destination becomes unavailable or unsuitable for landing. This could be due to adverse weather conditions, airport closures, or any other unforeseen circumstances that might compromise the safety of the flight.

The operational requirement for alternate airports is part of safety regulations in aviation to ensure pilots have contingency plans. When flight planning, pilots are required to consider alternate airports, especially for flights that exceed certain distances or have specific weather criteria. Identifying a suitable alternate is crucial for maintaining flight safety and ensuring that pilots and aircraft have options in case their primary destination cannot be safely reached.

The other options do not correctly define an alternate airport. For instance, while refueling might occur at various airports, the purpose of an alternate airport is specifically related to safety and emergency planning rather than just fuel supply or overnight storage. Similarly, having an airport that does not require ATC communication is not relevant to the definition of an alternate airport and could mislead regarding operational protocols.