Originally Posted by
Magplug
@Sidestick... You don't appear to understand the concept of using an en-route alternate to reduce contingency (or statistical contingency) fuel.
It is not a shady practice and is written into most EASA Ops Manuals. The entire amount of Contingency fuel may be used at the Captain's discretion any time after dispatch.
Magplug, I do understand and have no problem with RCF (or whatever it is called in different parts of the world) - if it is in the ops manual and done properly.
If you have a careful look at my post (and the one I have quoted), I was talking about a 'trick' advocated by some, whereby you nominate an en-route alternate as your destination in the FPL and your destination as your alternate. Then, once in the air, you declare to 'divert' to your destination. This is not the same as RCF procedure.