What does MDA stand for in aviation?

Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) is a crucial term used in aviation, specifically in the context of instrument approaches. It is the lowest altitude, expressed in feet above mean sea level (MSL), to which a pilot is authorized to descend on a non-precision approach, without having visual reference to the runway or the landing environment.

Understanding MDA is essential for pilots during the approach phase, as it ensures that they maintain a safe altitude above terrain and obstacles while still providing the opportunity to stabilize their approach for landing when visual cues become available. Should the pilot not have the required visual reference at or above this altitude, an immediate missed approach must be initiated to ensure safety.

In cases where MDA is defined, it helps in standardizing landing procedures and maintaining safety by preventing descents below the required altitude in poor visibility conditions. This is especially important in areas where terrain may be uneven or where obstacles may not be clearly visible, adding another layer of safety to aviation operations.

The other terms, while they may appear similar, either do not reflect the correct meaning associated with MDA or pertain to different contexts that do not apply to this aviation practice. Thus, recognizing the correct definition of Minimum Descent Altitude is vital for