Covering your posterior

Think of alternates and minimums
as a way to cover your rear in more ways than one. First and foremost
is the fact that adhering to the rules of alternates and minimums will
keep pilots, passengers, and those on the ground safe. If all minimums
and fuel reserves are adhered to, it would take a catastrophic event,
such as a total power loss, to make an airplane come out of the sky. Finally, careful planning of alternates and minimums covers your
rear in the event that any type of incident or accident occurs during a
particular IFR flight. For example, if you declare an emergency because
of low fuel or weather and are given priority handling by ATC, the
first thing investigators will want to see is how you planned this
particular flight. Errors in judgment comprise a huge number of cases
in which pilots were found guilty and had their certificates suspended
or revoked. Careful planning, prudent decision making, and lots of
options will keep you flying safely and legally.