Destination weather instrument approach is governed by which criterion?

• A. Visibility only
• B. Ceiling
• C. Wind speed
• D. Temperature

Answer: (A)

The key factor for whether you can fly an instrument approach to the destination is the required visibility. instrument approaches specify minimum visibility (or runway visual range) that you must have to begin and continue the approach and land. If the published visibility minimum isn’t met, you cannot proceed, even if other factors like the cloud ceiling might be acceptable for other operations. The ability to see the runway environment and the necessary references is what determines if you can safely complete the approach.

Wind speed and temperature don’t set this gating criterion; wind affects performance and handling, and temperature affects performance calculations, but they aren’t the determinant for initiating or continuing an instrument approach. Ceiling can influence overall IFR planning, but for the purpose of the destination instrument approach minimums, visibility is the controlling factor.