What instrument approach altitude is the pilot required to decide on a missed approach if the required visual reference is not seen?

What instrument approach altitude is the pilot required to decide on a missed approach if the required visual reference is not seen?

• A. Decision Altitude
• B. Decision Height
• C. Minimum Descent Altitude
• D. Missed Approach Point

Answer: (A)

The moment you must decide to continue or execute a missed approach on an instrument approach with vertical guidance is the Decision Altitude. This altitude, published on the approach plate, is the height above mean sea level at which you must have the required visual references in sight to land. If those references aren’t visible by that altitude, you’re expected to initiate the missed approach. Decision Height is a similar concept used in some precision approaches, but the standard term for this scenario in many instrument procedures is Decision Altitude. Minimum Descent Altitude applies to non-precision approaches without vertical guidance and isn’t the point where you’re required to decide to land. The Missed Approach Point is a location, not an altitude, and represents where you must be starting the missed approach if you haven’t landed yet.

The moment you must decide to continue or execute a missed approach on an instrument approach with vertical guidance is the Decision Altitude. This altitude, published on the approach plate, is the height above mean sea level at which you must have the required visual references in sight to land. If those references aren’t visible by that altitude, you’re expected to initiate the missed approach.

Decision Height is a similar concept used in some precision approaches, but the standard term for this scenario in many instrument procedures is Decision Altitude. Minimum Descent Altitude applies to non-precision approaches without vertical guidance and isn’t the point where you’re required to decide to land. The Missed Approach Point is a location, not an altitude, and represents where you must be starting the missed approach if you haven’t landed yet.