Going Below Minimums on an Instrument Approach Permitted When:

Going Below Minimums on an Instrument Approach Permitted When:

## Visually Confirmed Descent Below Minimums: A Guide for Pilots

In the realm of aviation, maintaining safety and adhering to regulations is paramount. When it comes to descending below the minimum decision altitude (DA), decision height (DH), or minimum descent altitude (MDA) during an instrument approach, there are specific visual references that pilots must have in sight to ensure a safe landing.

According to Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 91.175(c) and further explained by Boldmethod, a pilot may only descend below the published DA, DH, or MDA when the aircraft is in a position to make a normal descent to the intended runway using normal maneuvers, and at least one of the visual references for the intended runway is distinctly visible and identifiable.

These visual references can include the threshold, threshold markings, threshold lights, runway, runway markings, runway lights, touchdown zone or touchdown zone markings, touchdown zone lights, runway approach lights, or a combination thereof. It's essential to note that approach lights alone do not permit descent below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation unless other references are visible.

In essence, having visual contact with the runway environment or approach lights under conditions that allow a normal approach and landing is the key. Boldmethod simplifies this by emphasizing that you must see one or more of the required runway or approach lighting system references. If you only see the approach lighting system, do not descend below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation. For continuing the descent below 100 feet (i.e., all the way to touchdown), you must have the runway environment in sight. It’s about confirming you can safely complete the landing visually.

When flying an instrument approach, it's crucial to look outside for the required visual references at the DA/DH or MDA. If you do not see at least one, initiate a missed approach. If you do, and you are in a position to land normally, you may descend below minimums and land. Remember, approach lights alone do not allow descent below 100 feet above touchdown zone.

For instance, the top of an approach chart shows the type of approach lighting system for the approach runway. At tower-controlled airports, lights are rarely turned on during visual conditions (VMC). The airport diagram also shows the type of approach light system in place for the runways. Runway 18 at KTKI, for example, has a MALSR approach lighting system, which includes medium-intensity runway lights (MIRL), low-intensity runway lights (LIRL), and a series of runway approach lights.

At an uncontrolled airport, Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) can be used to turn on the runway lights. Practicing recognizing runway lights can make it easier to pick them out in poor visibility conditions.

Subscribing to the Boldmethod email can provide real-world flying tips and information, helping pilots stay informed and prepared. Always remember, safety is the top priority when navigating the skies.

1. Adhering to aviation regulations, a pilot can only descend below the published minimum decision altitude, decision height, or minimum descent altitude when the aircraft is in a position for a normal descent to the intended runway.
2. Visual references for the intended runway, such as the threshold, runway markings, or runway lights, are required to be distinctly visible and identifiable for a safe landing.
3. Approach lights alone do not permit descent below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation unless other references are visible.
4. When flying an instrument approach, it's essential to look outside for the required visual references at the DA/DH or MDA, and if not visible, initiate a missed approach.
5. When a pilot sees the required runway or approach lighting system references and is in a position for a normal approach and landing, they may descend below minimums and land.
6. At tower-controlled airports, the type of approach lighting system for the approach runway is shown on the top of the approach chart, while airport diagrams indicate the type of approach light system in place for the runways.
7. At uncontrolled airports, the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) can be used to turn on the runway lights, making it easier to recognize runway lights in poor visibility conditions.
8. Staying informed and prepared can be facilitated through subscribing to real-world flying tips and information sources like the Boldmethod email, while maintaining safety as the top priority is essential when navigating the skies.

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