What is the threshold used for IFR sortie approval by an FRO, in relation to 800 ft ceiling/2 miles visibility and published approach minimums?

What is the threshold used for IFR sortie approval by an FRO, in relation to 800 ft ceiling/2 miles visibility and published approach minimums?

• A. The higher of 800-foot ceiling and 2 miles visibility or the published approach minimums
• B. The lower of those values
• C. Larger of 1000 ft ceiling and 3 miles visibility
• D. There is no threshold

Answer: (A)

For IFR sorties, the Weather threshold is set by the higher value between the standard IFR baseline and the specific approach minimums. In practice, that means the FRO considers the greater of 800 feet ceiling and 2 miles visibility and the published minimums for the intended instrument approach, and only approves if the actual weather meets or exceeds that higher value. If the published approach minimums are higher than 800/2, you must meet that higher minimum; if they’re lower, the baseline 800/2 governs. This ensures the flight has at least the general IFR safety margin and the specific approach requirements. The other options would either understate the requirement, use unrelated numbers, or claim there’s no threshold, which isn’t correct because there is a defined minimum to protect IFR operations.

For IFR sorties, the Weather threshold is set by the higher value between the standard IFR baseline and the specific approach minimums. In practice, that means the FRO considers the greater of 800 feet ceiling and 2 miles visibility and the published minimums for the intended instrument approach, and only approves if the actual weather meets or exceeds that higher value. If the published approach minimums are higher than 800/2, you must meet that higher minimum; if they’re lower, the baseline 800/2 governs. This ensures the flight has at least the general IFR safety margin and the specific approach requirements.

The other options would either understate the requirement, use unrelated numbers, or claim there’s no threshold, which isn’t correct because there is a defined minimum to protect IFR operations.