Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that governs the takeoff and landing requirements under instrument flight rules (IFR). It specifies the conditions a pilot must meet to begin an instrument approach, descend below the Decision Altitude (DA), Decision Height (DH), or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), and ultimately land from an instrument approach. Key provisions include the required flight visibility, the requirement that the aircraft be in a position from which a normal descent and landing can be made, and the list of specific visual references the pilot must have in sight to continue below DA/DH/MDA.
Plain English
This is the rule that tells IFR pilots what they need in order to legally start an instrument approach, descend below the published minimums, and land. In short: you need the required flight visibility, you need to be able to fly a normal landing, and you need to actually see specific parts of the runway environment.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach training, visibility requirement discussions, and questions about when a pilot may legally continue below published approach minimums.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations. 'Part 91' covers general operating and flight rules. The number after the section symbol (§) identifies the specific rule. Section 91.175 deals specifically with takeoff and landing under IFR. Knowing the numbering system makes it easier to find and cite the rule.
Why Pilots Care
It sets the legal limits that determine whether a pilot can land or must go around, directly affecting safety and compliance during instrument operations.
Grounding Statement
On a low-weather approach, this rule is one of the main references for deciding whether the pilot may keep descending to land or must go around.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a handbook reference or study note. 14 CFR Part 91 § 91.175 is a federal rule that pilots are expected to follow.
Example Sentence 1
The captain briefed that under § 91.175, they would not descend below the DA unless they had the runway environment in sight and the required flight visibility.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor reminded the student that 14 CFR Part 91 § 91.175 applies to every IFR landing, regardless of the type of approach flown.