What should you do if weather worsens during approach?

What should you do if weather worsens during approach?

• A. Abort or adjust plan in accordance with SOP and crew guidance
• B. Continue regardless
• C. Change aircraft type
• D. Request a different pilot

Answer: (A)

When weather worsens during an approach, the safest move is to abort or adjust the plan according to the published SOP and the crew’s guidance. Deteriorating conditions—lower ceilings, reduced visibility, gusts, or precipitation—increase the risk of an unstable approach or loss of visual reference. Following SOP/crew guidance means you may execute a go-around, alter the approach to a safer alternate, or divert as directed, and you coordinate with the crew and ATC to reassess weather, altitude, airspeed, and landing options. Pushing ahead into worse weather raises the risk of loss of situational awareness or unintended contact with terrain or obstacles. Mid-flight changes like switching aircraft or requesting another pilot don’t address the safety issue and aren’t the appropriate response under these conditions.

When weather worsens during an approach, the safest move is to abort or adjust the plan according to the published SOP and the crew’s guidance. Deteriorating conditions—lower ceilings, reduced visibility, gusts, or precipitation—increase the risk of an unstable approach or loss of visual reference. Following SOP/crew guidance means you may execute a go-around, alter the approach to a safer alternate, or divert as directed, and you coordinate with the crew and ATC to reassess weather, altitude, airspeed, and landing options. Pushing ahead into worse weather raises the risk of loss of situational awareness or unintended contact with terrain or obstacles. Mid-flight changes like switching aircraft or requesting another pilot don’t address the safety issue and aren’t the appropriate response under these conditions.