Definition
The lowest altitude and, where applicable, the lowest visibility or runway visual range at which a pilot is authorized to descend on a published Instrument Approach Procedure. These values are charted on the approach plate and depend on the aircraft category, the type of approach (precision, non-precision, or approach with vertical guidance), and the navigation equipment in use. If the required visual references are not in sight at the published minimum altitude, the pilot must execute the missed approach.
Plain English
The lowest you are allowed to go, and the worst weather you are allowed to fly in, when flying a specific instrument approach to a runway. If you reach that point and still cannot see the runway, you must go around.
Context Anchor
Seen in the minimums section of an instrument approach chart before and during an instrument approach.
Derivation
Minimum comes from the Latin minimus, meaning “smallest” or “least.” In aviation, minimums are not suggestions; they are the lowest approved limits for that approach.
Why Pilots Care
They decide whether the pilot can continue to land or must fly the missed approach, directly affecting safety and flight completion.
Grounding Statement
On an instrument approach, IAP minimums are the point where you either have enough outside view to continue toward landing or you leave the approach.
Intuition Check
Do not read “minimums” as a comfort level or rough guideline. In this context, IAP minimums are published limits that control whether you may continue toward landing.
Example Sentence 1
The IAP minimums for the ILS Runway 27 approach were a 250-foot decision height and three-quarter-mile visibility.
Example Sentence 2
When visibility dropped below the published IAP minimums, the crew executed the missed approach.