Originally Posted by
johnso29
Ceilings are not controlling. You can shoot the approach as long as you have the required VISIBILITY. Keep in mind that just because the ATIS is reporting 015 OVC, that doesn't mean that an aircraft couldn't gain sight of the runway environment at a higher altitude. Ceilings could be higher then reported in some areas, as WX moves/changes.
To confuse matters, ceiling does become controlling in 121 when determining certain alternate criteria, but only for filing purposes. If you actually go shoot the approach, it is always visibility unless the plate says otherwise.