A Part 121 flight is on an ILS approach to the destination airport. Just prior to reaching the final approach fix, the tower reports visibility below the minimums published for that approach. Under 14 CFR 121.651, may the flight crew continue the approach?
- ANo, the flight must divert to the alternate under all circumstances once any weather report is below minimums
- BYes, provided the dispatcher radios approval to continue the approach
- CNo, the approach may not be commenced unless the aircraft has already passed the final approach fix or outer marker inbound
- DYes, the pilot in command has full discretion to continue regardless of reported visibility
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. No, the approach may not be commenced unless the aircraft has already passed the final approach fix or outer marker inbound
Under 121.651, no pilot may begin an instrument approach unless the most recent weather report shows visibility at or above the minimum prescribed for that procedure, except that if the airplane has already passed the FAF (or, for non-precision approaches without a FAF, the outer marker or fix used in lieu of it), the approach may be continued and a landing made if conditions permit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An automatic diversion is not required; the FAF/OM exception may allow completion of the approach.
- B. Dispatcher approval does not substitute for the regulatory weather-report requirement.
- D. PIC discretion does not override the specific weather-check requirement of 121.651.
Approach Weather Ban (121.651)
A pilot may not begin an instrument approach if the latest weather report shows visibility below the published minimum for that procedure, unless already past the FAF/OM.
- Applies to commencement of the approach, not continuation after passing FAF/OM
- Uses the most recent official weather report
- Exception exists once past FAF or outer marker inbound
Memory trick: "Past the Fix, You Can Fix the Landing" — once past the FAF/OM, weather report changes don't stop you.