What is the meaning of Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on a non-precision approach?

What is the meaning of Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on a non-precision approach?

• A. Minimum descent altitude is a specified altitude on a non-precision approach below which descent must not be made
• B. Decision altitude is the MIS altitude
• C. Obstacle clearance altitude is used for takeoff
• D. Minimum descent altitude equals airway altitude

Answer: (A)

On a non-precision approach there is no vertical guidance, so the minimum descent altitude acts as the floor for your descent on the final approach. It’s the lowest altitude to which you may descend on the final segment, and you must not descend below it until you have the runway environment in sight and can continue the landing safely. If you haven’t acquired the required visual references by the time you reach the MDA, you stay at that altitude and proceed to the missed approach point if the runway isn’t visible. This differs from a decision altitude used on approaches with vertical guidance, where a decision to land or go around must be made at a specific altitude. The other options mix up terms or contexts that don’t apply to the non-precision approach meaning.

On a non-precision approach there is no vertical guidance, so the minimum descent altitude acts as the floor for your descent on the final approach. It’s the lowest altitude to which you may descend on the final segment, and you must not descend below it until you have the runway environment in sight and can continue the landing safely. If you haven’t acquired the required visual references by the time you reach the MDA, you stay at that altitude and proceed to the missed approach point if the runway isn’t visible. This differs from a decision altitude used on approaches with vertical guidance, where a decision to land or go around must be made at a specific altitude. The other options mix up terms or contexts that don’t apply to the non-precision approach meaning.