Definition
A published table that specifies how an instrument approach procedure's minimums must be raised when certain ground-based approach components or visual aids are out of service. It lists the affected equipment (such as approach lights, the glideslope, or middle marker) and the corresponding increase to visibility minimums or the change in decision altitude that the pilot must apply.
Plain English
A chart that tells the pilot how much higher or how much more visibility they need when something on the ground that helps them land is broken or turned off.
Context Anchor
Seen when reviewing instrument approach minimums before flying an approach, especially after checking notices about airport lighting or equipment outages.
Derivation
Inoperative means not operating or not working. Component means a part of a larger system. Visual aid means something the pilot can see that helps guide the aircraft. Together, the phrase points to a table for adjusting an approach when a visible part of the landing system is not usable.
Why Pilots Care
It determines whether the approach remains legal and safe when equipment fails, directly affecting the decision to continue or execute a missed approach.
Grounding Statement
If a visual aid that normally helps you see the runway is not available, the approach may require better weather or may not be usable.
Intuition Check
Do not assume published minimums stay the same just because the approach procedure itself is still published. If listed lights or aids are inoperative, this table may change what minimums you are allowed to use.
Example Sentence 1
The approach lights were out per NOTAM, so the crew checked the Inoperative Components or Visual Aids Table and added a quarter mile to the required visibility.
Example Sentence 2
The crew checked the Inoperative Components or Visual Aids Table before starting the approach because the VASI lights were reported out of service.