In IMC, when circling is not authorized, the minimums are expressed as 1000-3. What does the 3 represent?

In IMC, when circling is not authorized, the minimums are expressed as 1000-3. What does the 3 represent?

• A. Miles of visibility
• B. Degrees of course deviation
• C. Feet of altitude
• D. Knots of wind

Answer: (A)

The two-number format used in approach minimums shows the required altitude and the required visibility. The first value is the decision altitude or minimum descent altitude in feet MSL. The second value is the minimum visibility in statute miles. So 1000-3 means you need a DA/MDA of 1,000 feet MSL and at least 3 miles of visibility. This notation is used when circling minimums aren’t authorized, so the numbers represent the straight‑in minimums you must meet. The 3 is miles of visibility, not degrees of deviation, altitude, or wind.

The two-number format used in approach minimums shows the required altitude and the required visibility. The first value is the decision altitude or minimum descent altitude in feet MSL. The second value is the minimum visibility in statute miles. So 1000-3 means you need a DA/MDA of 1,000 feet MSL and at least 3 miles of visibility. This notation is used when circling minimums aren’t authorized, so the numbers represent the straight‑in minimums you must meet. The 3 is miles of visibility, not degrees of deviation, altitude, or wind.