What are pilots required to do when the destination has no weather reporting capability?

When a pilot is faced with a destination that lacks weather reporting capability, the requirement to file an alternate airport comes into play. The rationale behind this is primarily safety-oriented; having an alternate airport ensures that the pilot has a secondary landing option should adverse weather conditions develop or if the actual weather at the destination does not meet the minimum requirements for landing.

The absence of weather reporting at the destination signifies an increased risk, as pilots cannot ascertain current weather conditions that would affect their landing. Therefore, filing for an alternate airport becomes a mandatory requirement to provide an additional layer of safety. This alternate must have current weather reporting and meet the necessary criteria for the pilot to land safely.

Choosing to proceed without an alternate could lead to potential hazards, particularly if the weather conditions change unexpectedly or if other factors affect the feasibility of landing at the initial destination. Informing ATC about the reporting capability is helpful but does not fulfill the regulatory obligations a pilot has when handling flight planning under such circumstances. Deviating from IFR to VFR is also not a solution, as it does not address the necessity of having a clear plan in case of unforeseen weather issues at the destination.