Expert: Heiko Hanusch - 11/25/2005

Question
Is it true that the decision to begin or discontinue an approach before the FAF after a weather update is dependent on the visibility at the airport and NOT on the ceiling?
For instance, the reported weather at the airport calls for 150' ceiling and 2 miles visibility. The minimums for the approach are 200' and 1/2 mile visibility. Can you begin the approach?

P.S. What company do you fly for?

Answer
Hi jascha,

That is correct. The only governing factor for the approach is the visibility. If you are flying an ILS and you are outside the OM and the tower calls for visibilty of 1/16th of a mile you can NOT continue the approach but if you get the same report while inside the OM you can continue and land if you see the visual clues required by the FAR's once you get to DH ! Ceiling is not used for the decision to shoot the approach just for your DH once you get there!

I fly for American Eagle.

I hope this helps,

H2