Ir1
Couldn't agree more with the way the Capt summed it up, don't confuse the two. At the end of the day compare the forecast with the "filing for alternate" requirements and that will tell you what are
required to do with respect to the rules.
However, as the Capt said, that meets the requirements and that can't be separated from making a decision on sound airmanship taking into account many factors. From experience, some people feel that they cannot add on extra fuel for "mum and the kids" particularly when the forecast doesn't dictate it. This can sometimes get sticky if it restricts payload, (pax, baggage, freight). Justify it to yourself and it should stick with the boss.
As stated the forecast is exactly that, and on longer flights it can change significantly. MEL for example, several times I have seen "no requirements" but looked at the Synopsis and Prognosis and dew point and taken more fuel because I felt the scurge of fog appearing after take-off. Sure enough it did and the majority of guys inbound diverted straight away. Luckily we had enough to hold and then land. Makes you feel good when you give a latest divert of 60-90 mins versus 5 mins to control.
Finally, the exam looks at requirements, life looks at reality,
Good Luck...........
