When is it permissible to continue a descent to MDA/H during an instrument approach?

Continuing a descent to Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) or Height (MDA/H) during an instrument approach is permissible when visibility is above the established minimums. This requirement is rooted in the fundamental principles of aviation safety, which dictate that pilots must have sufficient visual reference for the runway environment to ensure a safe landing.

Visibility minimums are set to guarantee that pilots can clearly see the required references needed to continue the approach and make a safe landing. These references can include the runway itself or visual cues that indicate it is safe to land. If visibility is below the required minimums, the pilot would need to execute a missed approach to maintain safety.

While passing the outer marker and receiving instructions from air traffic control may be relevant to the sequence of the approach, these factors alone do not satisfy the requirement for visibility. It's essential that visibility conditions meet or exceed minimums to continue the descent safely. Thus, maintaining adequate visibility is crucial for ensuring that pilots are equipped to make safe landing decisions as they approach the runway.