If a component of an instrument approach is out of service, which practice is followed for minimums?

• A. Fly the highest prescribed minimums by any single working component
• B. Use the lowest minimums among the remaining components
• C. Continue the approach with reduced minimums
• D. Abort the approach

Answer: (A)

When an instrument approach relies on more than one required component, any inoperative piece means you can’t rely on the full set of guidance. The minimums you use must reflect the highest minimum published for any single working component of that approach. This conservative choice protects obstacle clearance because you’re basing your decision on the component that still provides guidance, which often has a higher minimum than the combined capability. In short, you fly the highest prescribed minimums among the remaining working components, rather than the lower minimums that would assume all components are available. If no usable components remain, you’d abort or switch to an alternate method.