Takeoff Alternate Requirements
What are the air carrier rules, FAR 121 and JAR, and the OpSpec requirements with regard to how far a takeoff alternate may be from the departure airport?
I know US FAR 121 specifies that for two engine aircraft, the takeoff alternate be no further than 1 hour, still air, at one-engine inoperative cruise speed. Are the OpSpec's more restrictive? Are airline policies more restrictive?
The reason I'm asking is that a recent safety audit recommended that our pilots (corporate FAR 91) specifiy a takeoff alternate, if required, which is no further than 30 minutes, still air, at one-engine inoperative cruise speed.
This seems rather restrictive to me, but I may be wrong?
It's not that I don't think it's a good idea, but it could impact our operations from our US midwest base.
Thanks in advance!
Rich Boll
Wichita, KS