In an IFR flight plan, which element specifies an alternate airport if the destination is unusable?

• A. Route
• B. Destination
• C. Alternate airport
• D. Equipment

Answer: (C)

When you file an IFR flight plan, you plan not only the destination but also a backup landing option in case the primary airport becomes unusable. The element that specifies that alternate landing site is the alternate airport field. It designates the airport you would use if you cannot land at your destination, guiding ATC and crew to a feasible fallback within your route and performance limits. The route defines the path to follow, the destination is the intended landing airport, and equipment lists the onboard systems; none of these alone provides a fallback landing site. Therefore, the alternate airport element is the one that directly provides the alternate.