What weather is required to file to a destination?

Filing to a destination requires that the ceiling and visibility conditions meet the lowest compatible approach minimums for the intended arrival airport. This means that a pilot must ensure that the weather is adequate for safe landing based on the specific approach procedure expected to be used. Each approach procedure has defined minimums, and filing to a destination where the current weather does not meet these criteria could pose significant risks during the approach and landing phases.

Prior to departure, pilots must check the weather reports and forecasts to confirm that conditions are suitable not just for the flight but specifically for arriving safely at the destination airport. This is crucial because, during a flight, weather situations can change, and maintaining compliance with approach minimums is vital for operational safety.

Conditions such as visibility alone may not guarantee that a pilot can safely land if the cloud ceiling is too low, which is why both elements are important in determining whether it is appropriate to file to a destination.