MDA refers to which altitude?

• A. Mean Descent Altitude
• B. Maximum Descent Altitude
• C. Minimum Descent Altitude
• D. Minimum Distance Altitude

Answer: (C)

Minimum Descent Altitude is the lowest altitude to which you may descend on the final approach segment of a non-precision instrument approach. Because there’s no vertical guidance, you descend to this altitude and level off there. You then maintain the MDA until either you have the required visual references to continue the descent and land, or you reach the missed-approach point and must execute a missed approach if the runway isn’t in sight. It’s not a decision altitude used on precision approaches; that term refers to a different kind of approach with vertical guidance. The MDA is typically published as an altitude above mean sea level, and you stay at or above it until you can land safely or decide to go around if the runway environment isn’t in sight.