When departing or arriving at an airport the pilot must check the local weather to verify if it is not below any minimums, VFR or IFR. These minimums must also take the capabilities of the airplane and the crew into account. If one of these are not met the departure or approach must be aborted. At this point the flight must be delayed or divert to it's alternate destination or even return. Make sure to check the weather at your alternate before diverting there. Also keep an eye on the amount of fuel onboard, which is easily overlooking during any distraction. The checklists presented here can help you with these important items.

Diversion - precautionary landing

Should a diversion due to changes in the enroute or destination weather become necessary, changes in your flight plan should be made. The same must be done for your fuel log requirements with respect to flight time, legal reserve and contingency fuel regarding the new destination.

When the fuel situation is getting low, do decide early enough to divert to the nearest suitable alternate (that might not always be the alternate on your flight plan) before the fuel state gets critical. Do not delay this decision. Check the aircraft POH for the correct power and RPM for maximum range to minimize fuel consumption and to extend range with current fuel onboard.

If the fuel situation gets critical and it is doubtful that there is not enough fuel to get to the diversion aerodrome, then a precautionary landing with a running engine is the best option compared to trying to land with the engine stopped. Make sure that you know the emergency checklists! Get on the radio to do a PAN call stating position, intentions and fuel state. Do not hesitate to declare an emergency (you will get priority) when the nearest aerodrome turns out to be controlled.

Remember the old adage: Aviate, Navigate and Communicate. When the engine stops this is important. Control the aircraft before planning the approach to a landing area and starting the engine checks, know the best glide speed! If you have the time (altitude) run the engine trouble checklist for your type of engine and aircraft. If this doesn't work, communicate your position, intentions and concentrate on the landing ahead. Brief your passengers so that they do not panic. Let them help you find a good landing spot.
Again, make sure that you are completely familiar with the aircraft's emergency procedures.

ATIS Information Departure and Arrival

This checklist helps visualizing the weather, any NOTAMs obtained via radio can also be written down for later reference.

Diversion to an Alternate

In case a diversion to your alternate becomes necessary due to weather at the destination or any valid reason, you can use the checklist below for reference.

Use all available navigation methods to you disposal: pilotage, radio NAV, GPS, and dead reckoning to find your way to the alternate airport. But remember: these checklist are only to assist the pilot. In case of a real emergency the pilot has the right to do anything to assure a safe outcome. Lets keep it safe up there!