Policies and Procedures Manual--Weather Minimums

Notwithstanding any other requirements set forth in this policies and procedures handbook, club members must adhere to the applicable weather minimums regarding visibility and cloud clearance per 14 CFR Part 91. These restrictions do not apply when absolutely necessary to ensure a safe and successful outcome to a flight already in progress.

Club members may not operate club aircraft when the ambient air temperature is below -10F or the wind chill factor is below -20F. Club members may not operate club aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions in known icing conditions nor may club members operate club aircraft when severe or greater turbulence has been reported along the proposed route of flight.

Student and Recreational Pilots :

Student and Recreational pilots may not operate club aircraft when the forecast or reported weather along the proposed route of flight is less than five miles visibility or 3000 feet AGL, except for flights remaining within the Merrill traffic pattern, when the required minimums shall be three miles visibility and 2000 feet AGL. Student and Recreational pilots may not take-off or land club aircraft when the reported crosswind component exceeds seven knots or the difference between reported winds and maximum wind gusts exceed five knots.

Private Pilots :

Private pilots may not operate club aircraft when the forecast or reported weather along the proposed route of flight is less than five miles visibility or 2000 AGL, except within the Merrill traffic pattern when the required minimums shall be two miles and 1500 AGL. Private pilots may not take-off or land club aircraft when the reported crosswind component exceeds ten knots or the difference between the reported winds and maximum wind gusts exceed five knots.

IFR Minimums for Instrument Rated and Current Private Pilots:

For precision approaches—the forecast weather at the destination airport is less than 1000 feet and one mile, or
For non-precision approaches—the forecast weather at the destination airport is less than 1500 feet and two miles.

Commercial Pilots

Commercial pilots may not operate club aircraft when the forecast or reported weather along the proposed route of flight is less than three miles visibility or 1500 AGL, except within the Merrill traffic pattern when the required minimums shall be one mile and 1500 AGL. Commercial pilots may not take-off or land club aircraft when the reported crosswind component exceeds 15 knots or the maximum demonstrated crosswind component listed in the aircraft POH, nor when the difference between the reported winds and maximum wind gusts exceed ½ the maximum demonstrated crosswind component in the aircraft POH.

IFR Minimums for Instrument Current Commercial Pilots:

For precision approaches—the forecast weather at the destination airport is less than three quarters of a mile and 750 AGL, or
For non-precision approaches—the forecast weather at the destination airport is less than one mile and 1000 AGL.

CFIs and ATPs :

CFIs and ATPs may not operate club aircraft when the forecast or reported weather along the proposed route of flight is less than that prescribed by the Federal Aviation Regulations. CFIs and ATPs may not operate club aircraft when the reported crosswind component exceeds that listed in the aircraft POH or when the difference between the reported winds and reported maximum gusts exceeds one half of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component in the aircraft POH.

Instrument Minimums for IFR Current CFIs and ATPs:

Per 14 CFR Part 91 and the published approach minimums for the instrument procedure to be flown.