What is difference between MDA and DA?

Yet, decision altitude (DA) and minimum descent altitude (MDA) are very different concepts. As the names suggest, DA is a decision point while MDA is the lowest altitude allowed without visuals. Without required flight visibility and runway environment, 91.175 says we can’t go below MDA.

Does ILS have DA or MDA?

Now let’s look at DA minimums. Looking at the KAPA ILS or LOC RWY 35R below, the ILS approach has a DA of 6,085 feet MSL. To review, MDAs are used on non-precision approaches, and they are a minimum altitude floor that you cannot go below until you see the runway environment.

What does DA mean in aviation?

Decision Altitude
Definition. The Decision Altitude (DA) or Decision Height (DH) is a specified altitude or height in the Precision Approach or approach with vertical guidance at which a Missed Approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. (

What is the difference between decision altitude and decision height?

A decision height (DH) is measured above ground level. A decision altitude (DA) is measured above mean sea level. Both are used for precision approaches. DH and DA are given at the destination airport and are established to allow enough time to safely reconfigure a private plane to climb and initiate a missed approach.

Can you go below DA?

If the reported visibility at the airport is below published minimums, you may not be able to descend below the decision altitude (DA), decision height (DH), or minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach you’re attempting.

What is the distinction if any between a DA and a DH on an ILS approach?

As stated above, DA is read from the altimeter…it gives you the direct answer to “when do I reach minimum altitude?” in flight. DH, on the other hand, gives you a direct answer to “where will the airport be when I get there?” Without having to do math in the cockpit.

Can you descend below DA?

What 3 requirements must be met in order to operate an aircraft below DA or MDA?

FAR 91.175(c) outlines three requirements: You must always be able to make a descent to landing on the intended runway using normal maneuvers and a normal descent rate, The flight visibility (that you observe) must meet or exceed the minimums published for the approach, and.