When can you descend below minimums on an IAP?
In order to descend below minimums:
- You must be able to make a descent to landing using normal maneuvers and a normal descent rate
- Flight visibility must meet or exceeded minimums
- You must distinctly identify one of the runway visual references
There are two groups of runway visual references
-
These include approach lighting systems such as MALSR and ALSF-2. These let you descnd to 100’ above the TDZE.
-
If you can see the red terminating bars of approach lighting and other parts of runway environment such as the threshold, REIL, VASI/PAPI, runway markings/lights, touchdown zone markings/lights, then you can continue to land.
Note: The visual reference restriction may not apply to CAT II or III approaches.
References
[1] FAR 91.175(c) https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.175
[2] https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/navigation/when-can-you-go-below-mins-instrument-approach/