If the reported visibility is 1/4 statute mile, what should you do to determine whether the approach is permissible?

• A. Look at the published minimums for the approach
• B. Proceed with the approach as described in the plan
• C. Ask ATC for a revised clearance
• D. Ignore and continue visually

Answer: (A)

The main idea is instrument approach minimums: each approach procedure lists the minimum visibility required to legally start and continue the approach, ensuring safe obstacle clearance. With a reported visibility of 1/4 mile, you must check the published minimums on the approach plate for that procedure. If the minimums are higher than 1/4 mile, the approach isn’t permissible. Only if the current visibility meets or exceeds the published minimums can you proceed.

So you look up the approach’s minimums, compare them to 1/4 mile, and decide accordingly. Other options aren’t about determining permissibility: proceeding regardless or ignoring weather would violate the minimums, and asking ATC for a revised clearance is something you do if you’ve already established you can’t meet the minima, not a first step to determine if you can fly the approach.