If visibility is reduced during approach, what should be done?

If visibility is reduced during approach, what should be done?

• A. Proceed with landing regardless
• B. Land in an open field
• C. Operations may be postponed if unsafe
• D. Continue approach at higher speed

Answer: (C)

When visibility drops during approach, you lose the visual cues needed to safely judge distance, the landing zone, and obstacles. In that situation the safest move is to postpone the operation until conditions improve or an alternative plan is approved. The goal is to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and a controllable landing, which you can’t guarantee with reduced visibility. Pushing ahead at higher speeds or trying to land in an improvised area increases risk and isn’t permitted when visibility is unsafe. So, postponing operations when conditions aren’t safe is the correct course.

When visibility drops during approach, you lose the visual cues needed to safely judge distance, the landing zone, and obstacles. In that situation the safest move is to postpone the operation until conditions improve or an alternative plan is approved. The goal is to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and a controllable landing, which you can’t guarantee with reduced visibility. Pushing ahead at higher speeds or trying to land in an improvised area increases risk and isn’t permitted when visibility is unsafe. So, postponing operations when conditions aren’t safe is the correct course.