Definition
The lowest values — typically of cloud ceiling and visibility — at which a particular flight operation, instrument approach, or takeoff is legally permitted. If actual conditions are below the published minima, the operation may not be conducted.
Plain English
The minimum weather conditions you're allowed to fly in for a given operation. If the weather is worse than these numbers, you can't legally do it.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather, airport, and instrument approach information, especially when deciding whether conditions are good enough to depart, approach, or land.
Derivation
Minima is the Latin plural of minimum, meaning 'least.' In aviation, the plural form is used because more than one limit usually applies at the same time — typically a ceiling and a visibility value together.
Why Pilots Care
They establish the legal and safety limits below which a missed approach must be executed.
Intuition Check
Minima are not suggestions or comfort margins. They are the published lower limits that must be respected for the specific operation or procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The reported visibility was below minima, so the crew flew the approach to the missed approach point and diverted to their alternate.
Example Sentence 2
With visibility below minima, the crew executed the missed approach procedure.