A-69-032
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
(1) THAT SECTION 91.116 OF THE F.A.R. BE CHANGED TO AGREE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 121.653 AND THE SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS OF PARTS 123 AND 135 IN ORDER THAT THE APPROACH BE RESTRICTED AS WELL AS THE LANDING. (2) THAT SECTION 91.117 BE AMENDED TO THE EFFECT THAT IN NO EVENT SHALL DESCENT BELOW 200 FEET BE PERFORMED UNLESS LANDING MINIMA ARE PRESENT. (3) THAT WHILE SECTION 91.116 (B) CLEARLY STATES THAT A LANDING MAY NOT BE MADE UNLESS THE VISIBILITY IS AT OR ABOVE THE LANDING MINIMUM REQUIRED, NEVERTHELESS, IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY AND IN ORDER TO INSURE PROPER INTERPRETATION, ALL CONDITIONS REQUIRING A MISSED APPROACH SHOULD BE CONTAINED IN SECTION 91.117 (B). ACCORDINGLY, AN ADDITIONAL CONDITION SHOULD BE ADDED TO SECTION 91.117(B) TO THE EFFECT THAT IF LANDING MINIMA CANNOT BE MAINTAINED, A MISSED APPROACH MUST BE EXECUTED.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB urges the FAA to update federal regulations so that non-commercial pilots follow stricter approach and landing rules similar to those already required for commercial airlines. Specifically, the agency should prohibit descending below 200 feet unless official landing minimums are available and clarify that a pilot must abort the landing if they cannot maintain these visibility standards. This aims to ensure consistent safety interpretations across different types of aviation operations.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Unacceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Nov 12, 1973 |
| NTSB number | DCA69A0015 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).