What is described by the minimums section on an instrument approach procedure chart?

• A. The section that lists the recommended altimeter settings.
• B. The area on an IAP chart that displays the lowest altitude and visibility requirements for the approach.
• C. The altitude where radar vectors begin.
• D. The minimum flap setting for landing.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the minimums section tells you the lowest altitude and visibility required to continue the instrument approach and land. It lists the decision altitude or minimum descent altitude (DA or MDA) and the corresponding visibility (such as RVR or statute miles). This tells you, given the current weather, whether you may descend below a certain point and proceed to landing. If the weather is worse than these minima, you must go around. The section may also note whether the minima apply to straight-in or circling approaches and include any related notes.

It isn’t where you find the altimeter setting, where radar vectors begin, or the desired flap setting for landing; those details come from other parts of the chart or procedure.