How is the minimum altitude depicted on instrument approach charts?

• A. The altitude value is underscored on the chart.
• B. The altitude is written in italics.
• C. The altitude appears in parentheses.
• D. The altitude is colored red.

Answer: (A)

On instrument approach charts, the minimum altitude is shown by underlining the numeric value in the minimums section. That underlining signals that the figure is a required floor for obstacle clearance on that segment, so you must remain at or above that altitude until you reach the next segment or are cleared to descend further. The underline is a quick visual cue to identify minimums, as opposed to other formatting like italics, parentheses, or color, which aren’t used to denote the minimum altitude. For example, if the minimum altitude shown is 3,500 feet, you must stay at or above 3,500 feet on that portion of the approach until the next segment or until you’re cleared to continue descent.