If visibility is below minimums during an approach, what is the appropriate action for the pilot?

When visibility is below minimums during an approach, the appropriate action is to divert to an alternate airport. This ensures that safety is prioritized, as attempting to continue the approach under such conditions can lead to increased risk of accidents or incidents due to low visibility.

Diverting to an alternate allows the pilot to reassess conditions, either to await better weather or to proceed safely to a location where landing can be accomplished within acceptable visibility limits. This minimizes the potential for spatial disorientation and allows for a more controlled decision-making process regarding landing or further flight operations.

While performing a missed approach is indeed a standard procedure when visual references are lost, it typically leads to continued flying in potentially perilous conditions rather than redirecting to a safer option. Therefore, deciding to divert to an alternate airport in cases of sub-minimum visibility emphasizes safety and responsible decision-making in aviation.