(a) Regardless of any clearance from ATC, if the reported weather conditions are less than that specified in the certificate holder's operations specifications, no pilot may --

(1) Take off an airplane under IFR; or

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, land an airplane under IFR.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no pilot may execute an instrument approach procedure if the latest reported visibility is less than the landing minimums specified in the certificate holder's operations specifications.

(c) If a pilot initiates an instrument approach procedure when the latest weather report indicates that the specified visibility minimums exist, and a later weather report indicating below minimums conditions is received after the airplane --

(1) Is on an ILS final approach and has passed the outer marker,

(2) Is on final approach segment using a nonprecision approach procedure, or

(3) Is on PAR final approach and has been turned over to the final approach controller, the approach may be continued and a landing may be made if the pilot in command finds, upon reaching the authorized MAP or DH, that actual weather conditions are at least equal to the minimums prescribed in the operations specifications.

[Doc. No. 19779, 45 FR 67235, Oct. 9, 1980, as amended by Amdt. 125-2, 46 FR 24409, Apr. 30, 1981]