When may the PIC begin the published instrument approach?

• A. After passing the initial approach fix
• B. When radar indicates approach in progress
• C. When the flight plan is filed
• D. When the airport has an approved weather source and the weather is at or above the authorized IFR landing minimums

Answer: (D)

When a published instrument approach can be started, the PIC must have reliable weather data at the airport from an approved weather source and the reported weather must meet or exceed the published IFR landing minimums. This ensures you have adequate ceiling and visibility to safely begin and complete the approach to a landing decision. If there is no approved weather source, or the weather is below minimums, the approach should not be started, and the pilot would diversion or hold as needed. Starting the approach is not determined by passing a certain point on the approach, radar status, or simply filing a flight plan; those don’t replace the weather data and minimums requirement.