Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the re...
Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.
Bottom line
In an approach with vertical guidance, DA is a specified altitude expressed in feet above mean sea level at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual references to continue the approach have not been established. The approach light system, except that the pilot may not descend below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation using the approach lights as a reference unless the red terminating bars or the red side row bars are also distinctly visible and identifiable. You must begin to form a decision concerning the probable success of an approach before reaching the decision point.
FAA references
- IPH ch. 4 (p. 4-37) — FAA-H-8083-16B
- 14 CFR 91.175 (Takeoff and landing under IFR.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AC 90-105 Appendix J — AC No: 90-105A
- AC 90-105 Appendix B — AC No: 90-105A
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