"Ron Garret" wrote in message
...
Well, at the top of the FAQ it gives this URL:

http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/afs800/docs/pt61FAQ.doc

where there is a copy of what appears to be the same document with
actual revision data on it: REVISION #21, DATE: October 12, 2004.

Given that this document comes from the FAA web site and has a recent
date that seems to make it reasonably authoritative. Here's what it
says:

---

QUESTION: As far as logging an approach in actual, is there any
requirement (i.e. must it be in actual conditions beyond the final
approach fix)? Assume that the pilot was flying single-pilot IFR so he
couldn't simply put on the hood if he broke out?

ANSWER: 61.51(g)(1) and 61.57(c)(1)(i); Again the only place where it
defines logging "instrument flight time" means ". . . a person may log
instrument time only for that flight time when the person operates the
aircraft solely by reference to instruments . . . ." As for logging an
"actual" approach, it would presume the approach to be to the conclusion
of the approach which would mean the pilot go down to the decision
height or to the minimum decent altitude, as appropriate. If what
you're asking is whether it is okay to fly to the FAF and break it off
and then log it as accomplishing an approach, the answer is no.

----

This sure sounds to me like you have to fly to minimums and still be in
IMC (and therefore fly the missed as well) before it's loggable.

Geez. If this is really true then I suspect there are an awful lot of
pilots out there who think they're current but really aren't.

Except notice that the answer doesn't actually address the question. The
answer says that a logged approach has to be flown to the DA or MDA. It does
not say whether the approach has to be in instrument conditions past the
FAF, which is what the question asked.

--Gary