Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.175, paragraph (c)) that specifies the conditions under which a pilot may descend below the Decision Altitude (DA), Decision Height (DH), or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on an instrument approach. To go below these minimums, the aircraft must be in a position from which a normal descent to landing can be made using normal maneuvers, the flight visibility must be at least that prescribed for the approach, and the pilot must have at least one of the specified visual references for the intended runway distinctly visible and identifiable.
Plain English
This is the rule that tells pilots when they are allowed to keep descending below the published minimum altitude on an instrument approach. Three things must all be true: the airplane is in a good position to land normally, the visibility is at or above what the approach requires, and the pilot can clearly see at least one of a specific list of runway features (such as the runway, runway lights, or approach lights).
Context Anchor
Seen when studying instrument approach minimums and deciding whether to continue landing or climb away at minimum descent altitude, decision altitude, or decision height.
Derivation
The symbol § means “section.” In § 91.175(c), “91” is the part of the federal aviation rules, “175” is the specific rule section, and “(c)” is the paragraph inside that section. This helps because the term is not a word; it is a legal citation pointing to one exact rule.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance prevents descent without adequate visual cues and is required for legal and safe instrument approaches.
Grounding Statement
At the minimum altitude, the pilot is checking three things: can I see the required runway clues, is the visibility good enough, and can I land normally from here?
Intuition Check
Do not read § 91.175(c) as “if I see anything, I can land.” It requires specific runway references, enough visibility, and a normal landing position.
Example Sentence 1
At DA, the pilot saw the approach light system and confirmed the aircraft was in a position for a normal landing, satisfying § 91.175(c) to continue the descent.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the pilot reviewed the visual references required by § 91.175(c).