Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 91) that governs the use of an Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) during instrument approaches. It sets out the conditions under which a pilot may continue an approach below the published Decision Altitude (DA), Decision Height (DH), or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) using the enhanced image displayed by the EFVS in place of natural vision, and the requirements for landing using EFVS down to touchdown.
Plain English
This is the FAA rule that tells pilots when and how they may legally use an EFVS to fly an approach lower than they otherwise could, and what they must see on the EFVS display to keep descending and land.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of EFVS operations, instrument approach minimums, and the legal requirements for descending below decision altitude, decision height, or minimum descent altitude.
Derivation
The symbol § means 'section' and comes from Latin, where it was used by medieval scribes to mark a division of text. In U.S. regulations, § 91.176 means 'Section 176 of Part 91,' which is the part of the federal aviation rules covering general operating and flight rules.
Why Pilots Care
It gives pilots and operators legal permission to complete landings in lower visibility than standard rules allow, improving access to airports when weather would otherwise force a diversion.
Intuition Check
Do not read § 91.176 as an approach chart or a clearance. It is a regulation that says what must be true before EFVS can be used to continue below the normal instrument approach limit.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the approach, the crew confirmed their aircraft and training met the requirements of § 91.176(b) for using EFVS to 100 feet above the touchdown zone.
Example Sentence 2
Because the reported visibility was below the published minimum, the crew relied on § 91.176 to continue the landing.