Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyChicaga  Could dispatch legally delete your alternate if the TAF for your arrival time still requires you have an alternate? I say no, even if the current METAR is above what is required.
For instance:
KMDW 111551Z 27011KT 7SM OVC022 02/M01 A2971 RMK AO2 SLP069 T00171006
KMDW 111130Z 111212 29012G20KT P6SM OVC011
FM1800 28013G20KT P6SM OVC025
FM0000 26006KT P6SM BKN035
You are scheduled to arrive at 1620Z. The current METAR is above the weather minimums required for an alternate. However the forecast for 1 hour before and 1 hour after arrival is 1100 ft overcast, therefore meets the requirement for an alternate.
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Dispatch has some discretion if they can establish through reliable means that the destination weather is above what is required for an alternate at your estimated time of arrival. If all they have is the TAF, you're right.
If you're 10 minutes from the airport and the ATIS indicates good weather, the dispatcher can delete the alternate requirement with the captains concurrence. I have had this very scenario happen numerous times.