Is a Ceiling Sealing?

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?

Key Takeaways:

• For Part 91 and Part 121 IFR operations in the U.S., the reported or forecast ceiling is generally not a legal controlling factor for commencing or continuing an instrument approach.
• FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 91.175(c)(2), state that only *flight visibility* is the minimum required condition for continuing an approach below MDA or DA.
• This distinction, where ceiling is non-controlling, stems from regulatory changes in the mid-1960s with improved navigation technology, despite common misconceptions in pilot training and even among some FAA personnel.
• While not controlling for the destination approach, both ceiling and visibility remain critical factors when determining suitable alternate airports.

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