This wasn’t a diversion. It’s just an old sight-seeing track the author flew a few years ago. But he uses it to illustrate an important point: The closest divert field with approaches, fuel, facilities and some level of civilization may be behind you. [Credit: Joseph Burnside]
Key Takeaways:
Always anticipate the need for diversions and conduct pre-flight planning to identify suitable alternate airports, considering services, weather, and future takeoff requirements.
When diverting, immediately turn towards your chosen field, inform ATC, and strategically manage altitude, staying high to maintain options, especially if engine issues are a concern.
Prioritize a divert field based on available services (mechanics, 24-hour fuel, lodging) and resources, often favoring towered facilities for their enhanced support, approaches, and emergency response capabilities.
The reason doesn’t really matter. Hopefully, nothing’s on fire, and the weather, at least where you are, is flyable without much drama.
But you need to land soon—before reaching your destination. You mostly didn’t anticipate this need, except to know ahead of time that it’s the rare flight that’s completed exactly as planned. No flight plan survives the second handoff.
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Jeb Burnside has served as editor in chief of Aviation Safety magazine. He’s an airline transport pilot who owns a Beech Debonair, plus the expensive half of an Aeronca L-16B/7CCM Champ.
![This wasn’t a diversion. It’s just an old sight-seeing track the author flew a few years ago. But he uses it to illustrate an important point: The closest divert field with approaches, fuel, facilities and some level of civilization may be behind you. [Credit: Joseph Burnside]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FLY0825-Aviation-Safety_B.jpeg)
