Dispatch or flight release under IFR or over the top

This regulation sets the basic weather requirement for dispatching or releasing a Part 121 flight under IFR or over-the-top conditions. Before dispatch or release, the dispatcher or pilot must verify that weather reports, forecasts, or a combination of both indicate conditions will meet or exceed authorized minimums at the destination airport when the aircraft is estimated to arrive.

In practice, this means you cannot legally dispatch a flight if the weather forecast shows the destination will be below minimums at your ETA, even if conditions are currently good. The regulation requires forward-looking weather analysis, not just current conditions. This protects against launching flights toward airports that may be unavailable upon arrival.

Note that § 121.615 provides an exception to this rule for certain situations, such as when filing to an alternate airport. This regulation establishes the baseline requirement that must be met unless that specific exception applies.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*