Dispatch or flight release over water: Flag and supplemental operations

This regulation governs dispatch requirements for airline flights over water under Part 121 flag and supplemental operations.

Before dispatching a flight involving extended overwater operations, the dispatcher must verify that weather reports and forecasts show conditions will meet authorized minimums at the destination and any required alternate airports at the estimated arrival time.

Airlines conducting flag, supplemental, or Alaska domestic operations must operate extended overwater flights under IFR unless they can demonstrate VFR is safe. The FAA may also require IFR for other (non-extended) overwater operations if deemed necessary for safety.

In practice, this means most airline overwater flights operate under IFR. Any authorization to use VFR for extended overwater operations, or requirements for IFR on other overwater segments, will be specifically listed in the airline's operations specifications. This ensures consistent safety standards for flights beyond gliding distance from shore.

*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.*