Section T/O/Approach

INSTRUMENTS FLIGHT PLANNING

CHAPTER SEVEN

T/O Minima

If a pilot possesses a special instrument rating, no T/O ceiling or visibility minima apply. T/O

depends on the judgment of the pilot and the urgency of flight.

If a pilot possesses a standard instrument rating, T/O minimums must be published minimums

for the available non-precision approach, but not less than 300 foot ceiling and 1 statute mile

visibility. When a precision approach compatible with installed and operable aircraft equipment

is available, with published minimums less than 300/1, T/O is authorized provided the weather is

at least equal to the precision approach minimums for the landing runway in use, but in no case

when the weather is less than 200 foot ceiling and statute mile visibility (2400 feet Runway

Visual Range (RVR)).

Section T/O/Approach

A section is defined as two aircraft. Special minima exist for a section (formation) T/O/approach.

If the airfield publishes circling minima, then those minima are the lowest ceiling and visibility

permitted for section T/O/approach. These conditions shall apply at actual time of T/O or landing,

not filing time. If the airfield does not possess circling minima, then basic VFR (1000 3) shall

apply.

Approach Criteria for Single-Piloted Aircraft

Do not commence an instrument approach with intent to land if the reported weather is below

published minima for the type of approach conducted. During a turbojet enroute descent, the

approach is considered to commence when the aircraft descends below the highest initial

penetration altitude established for the high altitude instrument approach procedures for the

destination airport. Once an approach commences, a pilot may, at his/her discretion, continue

the approach to the approved published landing minima as shown in the appropriate Flight

Information Publication for the type approach being conducted. However, absolute minima for a

single-piloted aircraft executing a precision approach are 200 feet ceiling/Height Above

Touchdown (HAT) and visibility statue mile/2400 feet RVR or published minima, whichever

is higher.

Approach Criteria for Multi-Piloted Aircraft

If reported weather is below published landing minima for the approach to be conducted, an

approach shall not be commenced in multi-piloted aircraft unless the aircraft has the capability to

proceed to a suitable alternate in the event of a missed approach. If both pilots of a multi-piloted

aircraft are NATOPS qualified in model, the approach may be executed to published minima. If

both pilots are not NATOPS qualified in model, the absolute precision approach minima are 200

feet HAT and a visibility statute mile/2400 feet RVR, or published minima, whichever is

higher. Note in Figure 7-3 that a multi-piloted aircraft with only one radio may not use PAR

minima as a basis for choosing an alternate.

IN-FLIGHT WEATHER ANALYSIS 7-11