SPO.OP.215 Commencement and continuation of approach — aeroplanes and helicopters

SI No. 1290/2024

Text in magenta in force from 30 October 2025

  1. The pilot-in-command may commence an instrument approach regardless of the reported runway visual range/visibility (RVR/VIS).

  2. If the reported RVR/VIS is less than the applicable minimum, the approach shall not be continued:

    1. below 1000 ft above the aerodrome; or

    2. into the final approach segment in the case where the decision altitude/height (DA/H) or minimum descent altitude/height (MDA/H) is more than 1000 ft above the aerodrome,

  3. Where the RVR is not available, RVR values may be derived by converting the reported visibility.

  4. If, after passing 1000 ft above the aerodrome, the reported RVR/VIS falls below the applicable minimum, the approach may be continued to DA/H or MDA/H.

  5. The approach may be continued below DA/H or MDA/H and the landing may be completed provided that the visual reference adequate for the type of approach operation and for the intended runway is established at the DA/H or MDA/H and is maintained.

  6. The touchdown zone RVR shall always be controlling.

The title and text below will replace the text above on 30 October 2025:

SPO.OP.215 Commencement and continuation of approach – aeroplanes and helicopters

  1. For aeroplanes, if the reported VIS or controlling RVR for the runway to be used for landing is less than the applicable minimum, then an instrument approach operation must not be continued:

    1. below 1000 ft above the aerodrome elevation; or

    2. into the FAS where the DH or MDH is more than 1000 ft above the aerodrome elevation.

  2. For helicopters, if the reported RVR is less than 550 m and the controlling RVR for the runway to be used for landing is less than the applicable minimum, then an instrument approach operation must not be continued:

    1. below 1000 ft above the aerodrome elevation; or

    2. into the FAS where the DH or MDH is more than 1000 ft above the aerodrome elevation.

    For all aircraft:

  3. If the required visual reference is not established, a missed approach must be executed at, or before, the DA or DH or the MDA or MDH.

  4. If the required visual reference is not maintained after the DA or DH or MDA or DH, a go-around must be executed promptly.

  5. Notwithstanding point (a), in the case where no RVR is reported, and the reported VIS is less than the applicable minimum, but the converted weather visibility is equal or greater than the applicable minimum, the instrument approach can be continued to the DA or DH or MDA or MDH.

  6. Notwithstanding points (a) and (b), if there is no intention to land, the instrument approach may be continued to the DA or DH or MDA or DH. A missed approach must be executed at or before the DA or DH or the MDA or DH.