What is the meaning of MDA in aviation procedures?

MDA stands for Minimum Descent Altitude in aviation procedures. This term is crucial for pilots operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) during an approach to an airport. The MDA is the lowest altitude, expressed in feet above mean sea level (MSL), to which a pilot may descend during a downward approach prior to executing a missed approach, provided that the pilot has not established visual reference to the runway environment.

Understanding MDA is essential because it ensures a safe descent while following the specified approach procedure, particularly in conditions where visibility is limited. By adhering to the MDA, pilots can mitigate the risk of terrain and obstacle collisions while still adhering to the operational requirements of their approach.

In the context of aviation, other terms may refer to altitudes, but they serve different purposes. For example, Minimum Decision Altitude is closely related but is typically used in precision approaches where a pilot has a specific decision point to continue to a landing or execute a missed approach. However, MDA applies more generally to non-precision approaches, emphasizing the need for pilots to remain aware of altitudes and their corresponding visibility requirements during approach phases.