Definition
The portion of an instrument approach chart that lists the lowest altitudes and visibility values authorized for completing the approach. It is organized by approach category (straight-in, circling) and by aircraft category (A, B, C, D, E), and shows the Decision Altitude (DA), Decision Height (DH), or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), along with the required visibility for each.
Plain English
The box on an instrument approach chart that tells you how low you can descend and how much visibility you need before you must either see the runway or go around.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts during approach briefing, descent planning, and the final decision about whether landing can continue.
Derivation
From the Latin minimus, meaning 'least' or 'smallest.' In an approach chart, the section lists the least altitude and visibility a pilot is permitted to use — the floor of legal operation.
Why Pilots Care
It supplies the exact limits a pilot must meet to continue or land, directly affecting go/no-go decisions and safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read “minimums” as personal comfort limits here. In this context, they are published operating limits for the approach.
Example Sentence 1
During the approach briefing, the captain pointed to the minimums section and called out a DA of 250 feet with 3/4 mile visibility for Category C.
Example Sentence 2
Because visibility was below the minimums section value, the crew flew the missed approach.