IFR: Destination airport weather minimums

Before departing on an IFR flight or beginning an IFR or over-the-top operation, you must check that the weather forecast for your destination airport meets or exceeds the authorized IFR landing minimums at your estimated arrival time. This applies to Part 135 operations (commuter and on-demand air carriers).

The regulation requires checking the "latest weather reports or forecasts, or any combination of them" before takeoff. If the forecast shows conditions below minimums at your ETA, you cannot legally depart for that destination.

This is a go/no-go decision point on the ground. It ensures you have a reasonable expectation of being able to land at your intended destination. Note that this doesn't prevent you from departing if weather deteriorates *after* takeoff—it only governs the pre-departure weather check. You must also have a legal alternate airport available when required by other regulations.

*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.*