Definition
The section of Federal Aviation Regulations that governs when a pilot conducting an instrument approach is permitted to descend below the published Decision Altitude (DA), Decision Height (DH), or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and continue to landing. The regulation requires that three conditions be met simultaneously: (1) the aircraft is continuously in a position from which a normal descent to landing on the intended runway can be made using normal maneuvers, with a normal rate of descent and using normal procedures appropriate for the approach being flown; (2) the flight visibility is not less than the visibility prescribed in the standard instrument approach procedure being used; and (3) at least one of the specified visual references for the intended runway is distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot.
Plain English
This is the rule that tells you when you are allowed to leave your minimum approach altitude and continue down to land. You need three things at once: you must be in a good position to land normally, you must actually have the visibility the approach plate requires, and you must be able to clearly see at least one of the listed visual cues for the runway.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this citation when studying instrument approach minimums, deciding whether to continue below decision altitude or minimum descent altitude, and determining when a missed approach is required.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains all aviation regulations. § is the legal symbol for 'section.' Part 91 covers general operating and flight rules; 175 is the rule on instrument approach takeoff and landing; (c) is the specific subsection listing the three conditions for descent below minimums.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance prevents descent into terrain or obstacles when visual references are inadequate and protects against regulatory enforcement action.
Grounding Statement
At the approach minimum, the practical question is: can you see the required runway reference, is the visibility good enough, and can you land normally from here?
Intuition Check
Do not read this as “you may descend when you see anything at the airport.” The rule requires an approved visual reference for the intended runway, the required visibility, and a normal landing position.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching minimums on the ILS, the pilot called the approach lights in sight, confirmed flight visibility met the required one-half mile, and judged the aircraft properly positioned for a normal descent — satisfying 14 CFR § 91.175(c) to continue to landing.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the instructor reminded the student to apply the requirements of 14 CFR § 91.175(c) before descending below minimums.