Decision height (DH) is defined as which of the following on a precision approach?

• A. A specified altitude in height above threshold elevation, at which a decision to continue the approach or to execute a missed approach must be made.
• B. The minimum descent altitude for non-precision approaches.
• C. The altitude at which you begin the final descent on a precision approach.
• D. The altitude at which the runway must be in sight before landing.

Answer: (A)

On a precision approach, you have a specific point called decision height: the altitude above the threshold at which you must decide whether to continue the approach and land or execute a missed approach. This height is tied to the ILS/vertical guidance and is expressed relative to the threshold so you know exactly when you must have the runway environment and the required visual references in sight to proceed. If at that height the necessary references aren’t visible, you must go around.

The other options describe different concepts: a minimum descent altitude applies to non-precision approaches without vertical guidance; the final descent on a precision approach is guided by the glide slope and isn’t defined by a single DH; and while having the runway in sight is necessary to land, the formal decision point is the decision height, not just the moment you see the runway.