If weather radar is inoperative, can you dispatch on a flight?

• A. Yes, if alternate meteorological information is available.
• B. No — weather radar must be operative to dispatch.
• C. Yes, if the forecast shows no convective activity.
• D. Only with explicit guidance from ATC.

Answer: (B)

Weather radar provides the real-time picture of convective weather along the planned route, which is crucial for safe dispatch decisions. If the radar is inoperative, you lose the primary means to detect and avoid thunderstorms as conditions can change quickly after departure. For Part 135 operations, having adequate weather information to identify and mitigate weather hazards is a safety requirement for dispatch; alternatives like forecast data or MET information do not offer the same real-time situational awareness, and ATC guidance cannot substitute onboard weather detection. Therefore, the flight should not be dispatched with inoperative weather radar.