An overscored altitude on an instrument approach chart indicates the altitude to maintain or protect.

• A. The altitude that must be maintained on the approach
• B. The altitude above the minimum altitude
• C. The altitude to cross at the final approach fix
• D. The altitude to maintain or protect is indicated by an overscored value

Answer: (D)

An overscored altitude shows the altitude you must maintain to protect obstacle/terrain clearance along that segment of the instrument approach. The key idea is that this notation communicates a continuous constraint: you stay at that altitude until the next constraint or fix, ensuring the protected path remains clear. It’s not meant to indicate a crossing altitude at a specific fix, nor is it simply “an altitude above the minimum.” Crossing altitudes are stated separately, and the overscore emphasizes maintaining the value for safety. So the overscored figure directly conveys the altitude to maintain for protection on the approach.