Answer :
Final answer:
Whether a pilot can continue an approach when visibility falls to 1500' depends on the type of approach, aircraft equipment, operator's rules, and specific published minimums. Pilots must follow IFR regulations, comply with approach plate minimums.
Explanation:
If the visibility falls to 1500' outside of the Final Approach Fix (FAF), whether you may continue the approach depends on the regulations you are operating under and the specific minimums published for the approach you are flying. Under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), for precision approaches, pilots must adhere to the published visibility minimums which are part of the approach plate. If the visibility drops below these minimums before commencing the final approach segment, you generally cannot legally or safely continue the approach.
As for non-precision approaches, the approach can typically be continued to the Missed Approach Point (MAP) provided that you remain in a position where you could land within the touchdown zone should the required visibility become available. This incorporates the concept known as 'continue-to-missed' which means you can proceed unless the approach becomes unachievable or unsafe.
However, various factors such as the type of approach, aircraft equipment, and operator's rules can affect this decision. It is important for pilots to refer to the approach procedures and comply with the specific published approach minimums or any restrictions of the operator's certificate. Furthermore, actual weather conditions and visibility can change quickly, thus constant assessment and readiness to execute a missed approach if required is crucial for safety.
