Is visibility or ceiling controlling for whether or not we can shoot an approach?

In aviation, visibility is a critical factor that determines whether a flight approach can be safely executed. When conducting an approach, pilots need to have a clear line of sight to navigate safely to the runway. This ability to see the runway and any surrounding obstacles is essential for ensuring a safe landing.

While both ceiling (the height of the cloud base) and visibility matter, visibility takes precedence in most cases because it directly impacts the pilot's ability to identify and align with the runway. For instance, if the visibility is low, a pilot may not be able to see the approach lights or the runway itself, making it unsafe to continue the descent, regardless of how high the clouds are.

In certain approaches, particularly instrument approaches, specific criteria must be met for both ceiling and visibility. However, if visibility is inadequate, even a high ceiling may not compensate for the inability to visually confirm the landing environment.

Therefore, prioritizing visibility as the determining factor in whether an approach can be safely executed underscores its critical role in ensuring operational safety during low-visibility scenarios.