Final answer:
The question is about aviation approach minimums for a high minimums PIC. The term high minimums refers to increased approach minimums for less experienced pilots, which typically add 100 feet and half a mile to the standard approach minimums. The METAR report reads acceptable weather for standard approaches, but the high minimums PIC must ensure the weather meets their specific higher minimums.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the aviation field, specifically to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations and approach minimums for a pilot in command (PIC) with high minimums restrictions, often due to less experience or certain aircraft limitations. When an approach's minimums are reached, and conditions are below these minimums, a pilot must divert to an alternate airport. Alternate minimums required for an airport can be found in the chart supplements or approach plates but generally, for precision approaches, they are 600 feet above the airport elevation for the ceiling and 2 miles for visibility.
If the METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) for the alternate airport, in this case, KHLN, reads "09020KT BKN130 5SM," it implies that the airport is experiencing broken clouds at 13000 feet and has a visibility of 5 statute miles, which are above the standard alternate minimums for most pilots. However, if the PIC has high minimums, they must add a specific amount to the published approach minimums, usually 100 feet to the decision altitude/height and a half-mile to the required visibility.
If there are no NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) affecting the airport's navaids or approaches, the METAR indicates that the weather is sufficient for an alternate according to standard minimums, but a PIC with high minimums must still ensure the reported weather conditions meet their increased minimums requirements. Therefore, it is critical for the high minimums PIC to verify they can legally and safely use the airport as an alternate with the METAR provided.