How do Inoperative Components affect minimums on instrument procedures?

• A. Higher minimums are prescribed.
• B. Lower minimums are prescribed.
• C. Minimums unchanged.
• D. The procedure is canceled.

Answer: (A)

Instrument approach minimums are set to ensure obstacle clearance and safe descent given the equipment and aids available. When any component of an instrument approach is inoperative, that capability is reduced, so the authority to descend to the standard minimums is compromised. To maintain the same safety margin, the published minimums must be increased. That’s why higher minimums are prescribed whenever an approach component is inoperative. In some cases the procedure can’t be flown at the standard minima and the minima are raised to reflect the loss of that capability; in other cases you may need to cancel the approach or use an alternate procedure if no higher-minimum option exists.