We have all been told old wives tales. Their problem is that they can take on a life of their own. Are the old wives right? Is there a bit of truth to them? Or are they just plain wrong? When it comes to ceilings as part of landing minimums the answer is a bit complicated. It begs the question, are ceilings sealing for instrument pilots or not?
Contrary to common teaching and misconceptions, only *flight visibility*, not ceiling, is legally controlling for instrument approach landing minimums (Decision Altitude/Minimum Descent Altitude) under current FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 91.175).
The requirement to consider ceiling for operational landing minimums was eliminated from regulations for both Part 91 and Part 121 operations by 1966 due to advancements in navigation aid technology.
While ceiling is not a factor for continuing an approach to land at the destination, it remains a crucial consideration for determining suitable alternate airports.
Even some FAA personnel may still hold the incorrect belief that both ceiling and visibility are controlling for IFR landing minimums.
We have all been told old wives tales. Their problem is that they can take on a life of their own. Are the old wives right? Is there a bit of truth to them? Or are they just plain wrong? When it comes to ceilings as part of landing minimums the answer is a bit complicated. It begs the question, are ceilings sealing for instrument pilots or not?
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