How do weather minima influence Latitude approach decisions?

• A. If weather does not meet published minima for the selected approach, consider an alternate or a different approach with acceptable minima.
• B. Weather minima only affect takeoff, not approaches.
• C. Always use the most preferred approach regardless of minima.
• D. Minima have no bearing on decision; use best visual.

Answer: (A)

Weather minima set the floor for what you can legally and safely do on an instrument approach. Each published approach has minimums—minimum visibility and cloud ceiling (and sometimes a decision altitude/height you must meet to begin and continue the approach). If the current weather at the destination (and at any required alternate) does not meet the published minima for the approach you plan, you can’t fly that approach. In that case you should select a different approach with acceptable minima or divert to an alternate aerodrome where suitable minima exist. The emphasis is on flying an approach that matches the actual weather and the aircraft’s capabilities; trying to force the most preferred approach despite not meeting minima is not permissible.