Breaking out of an approach can be a high-workload situation, in which we’re dividing our attention between flying the airplane and looking for the runway environment. At that point, FAR 91.175(c) tells us there are three requirements we need to meet before descending below the DA/DH or MDA:
– The aircraft is continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvers (in the touchdown zone for Part 121/135 operations);
– The flight visibility is at or above minimums; and
– For a Category I approach, at least one of the following is distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot:
