According to 14 CFR 121.565, what is the "nearest suitable airport"?

The term "nearest suitable airport," as defined in 14 CFR 121.565, refers to the closest airport that meets specific criteria necessary for successful landing under emergency conditions. This means that the airport must have a runway long enough to safely accommodate the aircraft and must also have weather conditions that are acceptable for landing. The suitability of the airport is based on both the physical characteristics of the airport (such as runway length) and the prevailing weather conditions that would affect the landing.

This definition ensures that if an aircraft needs to divert for an emergency, the selected airport is not just nearby, but also capable of handling the aircraft's size and weight in the given weather conditions. Thus, it is crucial for dispatchers and flight crews to be aware of which airports qualify as "suitable" based on these factors.

The other options do not take into account the critical safety factors of runway length and weather conditions, which are essential for determining the suitability of an airport for emergency landings.