Instrument approach procedures and IFR landing minimums

When flying for a Part 121 air carrier (airline), pilots must follow the specific instrument approach procedures and weather minimums listed in their company's operations specifications (OpSpecs), not just the standard minimums published on approach charts.

This means your airline may impose higher minimums than what's published—for example, requiring 300-foot ceilings where the chart shows 200 feet, or prohibiting certain approaches entirely at specific airports. These company minimums account for factors like pilot experience levels, aircraft equipment, and the airline's safety standards.

In practice, before shooting any instrument approach, you must verify that the current weather meets your OpSpecs minimums for that specific approach at that airport. You cannot legally use the published chart minimums alone; your company's OpSpecs take precedence and may be more restrictive. This is why airline pilots must be familiar with their carrier's OpSpecs, not just standard approach plates.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*