If a pilot is conducting an IFR flight to a destination without a published approach, what can they do?

The correct answer is to file to a point with a published approach. When a pilot is conducting an IFR flight to a destination that lacks a published approach, they need to consider the regulations and best practices for safely completing the flight. Filing to an alternate airport or a nearby airport with published approaches is crucial for ensuring that the pilot has an adequate plan for landing, especially if weather conditions or other factors necessitate a diversion.

Selecting a destination with a published approach allows the pilot to maintain compliance with IFR procedures, ensuring that they can safely navigate and execute an approach during their flight. Pilots are required to make decisions based on the availability of instrument approaches, especially when operating under IFR, to enhance safety and situational awareness.

Options like filing to any nearby airport or changing the destination airport may not sufficiently support IFR operations if the new destinations do not provide an adequate approach procedure or the necessary facilities. Continuing the flight based solely on estimated weather lacks the certainty and guidelines required to ensure safety in IFR scenarios, making it an unwise choice.