Pilots may not operate an aircraft at any airport below the authorized MDA or continue an approach below the authorized DA/DH unless:

• A. A descent to landing can be made using normal maneuvers
• B. The flight visibility is not less than prescribed in the approach procedure
• C. The runway is in sight
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Descent below published minimums requires three things to be in place: you must be able to complete the landing with normal flight maneuvers, the flight visibility must meet or exceed what the approach procedure requires, and the runway environment must be in sight.

If you can descend to landing using normal maneuvers, it means you’re in a position and configuration that allows a standard, predictable approach to the runway without needing unusual or risky flight techniques. The visibility requirement ensures you have enough visual cues and weather information to safely proceed, preventing reliance on uncertain or inadequate outside references. Having the runway in sight confirms you have the required visual contact with the landing environment to continue without guessing or deviating from the plan. When all three conditions are satisfied, you may descend below the minimums or continue the approach; if any one of them isn’t met, you should not descend further and should either continue to the minimums or execute a missed approach.