Before reaching the final approach fix, which weather condition allows you to continue an approach?

• A. Ceilings below minimums
• B. Visibility below minimums
• C. Ceilings and visibility above minimums
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how weather minimums apply to instrument approaches across different segments. You’ll follow the initial and intermediate segments of an approach before you reach the final approach fix, and the minimums for those early segments are less restrictive than the final approach minimums. Because you haven’t reached the portion of the approach where the published final minimums apply, you can continue the approach even if the ceiling is below the final minimums—so long as you still meet the visibility requirements for the segment and stay on the published path.

So, in this context, ceilings below the published minimums are tolerable before reaching the final approach fix, which is why that option is identified as allowing continuation. If visibility were below minimums, you generally wouldn’t continue, and if both ceilings and visibility meet or exceed minimums, you would continue as well.