Table of Contents
What is DA and MDA?
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.
What is the difference between DA and DH in aviation?
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.
Where is the DA on an approach plate?
To find MDA or DA, you’ll look to the Minimums section toward the bottom of the chart. Under the minimums, you will see different lines of minimums you can fly (this will depend on the type of equipment you have onboard) and whether they correspond to a Decision Altitude or a Minimum Descent Altitude.
What are some aviation terms?
An A-Z of aviation definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Roll | Motion on an aircraft along its nose-to-tail axis. |
| Rudder | A vertical control surface in the tail of an airplane, which controls the side-to-side movement (YAW) of an aircraft. |
| Runway | A rectangular area of the ground set aside for aircraft to land and take-off. |
What is MOCA in aviation?
Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA). The MOCA is the lowest published altitude in effect between radio fixes on VOR airways, off-airway routes, or route segments that meets obstacle clearance requirements for the entire route segment.
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.
How is da aviation calculated?
Techniques to calculate density altitude
- Subtract the current altimeter setting from the standard pressure of 29.92.
- Multiply by 1,000.
- If you have a negative number, subtract it from the field elevation. Add a positive number.
Is decision height AGL or MSL?
Decision Altitude (DA) is an MSL altitude. When you fly a Category I ILS, which is what almost all general aviation pilots will fly, you fly to a DA. Looking at the ILS approach in the image below, the published minimums for the straight-in ILS 35R are “6085 – 1/2”.
What do pilots say before taking off?
There is an announcement like: “Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please.” “Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off.” Within a minute after take-off, an announcement might be made reminding passengers to keep their seat belts fastened.
What are T routes in aviation?
RNAV terminal transition routes, referred to as Tango or “T” routes, allow Global Positioning System (GPS) equipped, instrument flight rules (IFR) operations to efficiently fly around or through Class B and Class C airspace areas. Routes have been established for Cincinnati, Charlotte, and Jacksonville thus far.
What is MAA altitude?
Maximum Authorized Altitude (MAA). An MAA is a published altitude representing the maximum usable altitude or flight level for an airspace structure or route segment. A fix along an established route over which aircraft are metered prior to entering terminal airspace.
What’s the difference between a MDA and a da?
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. DAs are altitudes where you make your continue-to-land or missed approach decision as you descend on the glideslope, and you may go slightly below DA as you make that decision.
When to use a DA or DH approach?
In the lowest of weather conditions, you’ll likely find yourself flying a CAT I ILS or RNAV LPV approach. And if your airplane is certified for extremely low weather conditions, you might even fly a CAT II/III approach. The type of approach flown determines whether you’ll use a DA or DH for your minimums.
What is the difference between Da and aim?
DA, or Decision Altitude, is defined by the AIM as, “A specified altitude or height in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue…has not been established.” DA only applies to approaches with electronic vertical guidance.
What do you need to know about aviation terms?
You need to learn all of the abbreviations, slang, and the definition of aviation words. Acronyms are a large part of aviation jargon. This glossary of terms provides basic definitions of airline lingo.We have compiled this dictionary that covers traditional pilot terms and includes funny phrases as well.