The best thing about personal minimums is that they remove subjectivity. This removes the temptation to “just take a look” or “try it once more.” But what happens when that absolute is challenged by something you never expected—and maybe shouldn’t even count? Is that a valid reason to make an exception?
The Hangar is a discussion forum for our Instructors and Mastery members only. Start your Mastery membership now to get full access.
Take The Bonus Quiz
In this month’s scenario, you experience the difference it can make when the approach lights are not on. Test your knowledge about approach and runway lighting by taking this quiz.
Earn 3 WINGS Credits for this PilotWorkshops Training
Submit WINGS Credit for Your PilotWorkshops Training
Receive Your WINGS Credits
Important: You must provide the email address you used to set up your WINGS account. If you do not supply a valid WINGS email address, we cannot issue your credit.
Please allow up to 2 weeks for credit to register at the FAA website. If you do not have a WINGS account, go to www.faasafety.gov and set one up. It takes just a few minutes.
Tom Haines was Editor in Chief and Senior Vice President of Media, Communications, and Outreach at AOPA. He earned his pilot certificate in his late teens and has logged more than 4,000 hours in a wide variety of general aviation airplanes. He has a commercial pilot certificate with multiengine, instrument, and seaplane ratings, and holds type ratings in the Eclipse 500 and Cessna CJ business jets and has a second-in-command type rating in the North American B-25 Mitchell. He owns a Beech A36 Bonanza and uses it regularly for business and personal travel.
