"Michael R" wrote in message
...

The AIM continues:

However, it is not intended that the requirement to "land as soon as
practicable" be construed to mean "as soon as possible." Pilots retain the
prerogative of exercising their best judgment and are not required to land
at an unauthorized airport, at an airport unsuitable for the type of
aircraft flown, or to land only minutes short of their intended
destination.

Sounds like I can continue on for 59 minutes and meet the letter of the
AIM.


How did you arrive at that conclusion? The AIM and the FARs are consistent,
if you encounter a field where it's practicable for you to land you must
descend and land. There is no time mentioned, if if you encounter VFR
conditions and a field where it's practicable for you to land you must
descend and land at that field.