What does MDA stand for in the context of non-precision approaches?

In the context of non-precision approaches, MDA stands for Minimum Descent Altitude. This is an essential altitude in the approach procedure that pilots must be aware of when conducting an approach that does not have precision guidance, such as an instrument landing system (ILS). The MDA is the lowest altitude to which a pilot may descend in the approach without having the required visual references to continue the approach and land.

The importance of MDA lies in ensuring safety and preventing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) situations. Pilots must maintain this altitude when visual references are not available until they reach the point where they can either continue the approach with visual references or execute a missed approach if they are not able to see the runway environment.

Understanding MDA is crucial for pilots flying in IFR conditions, particularly during non-precision approaches, where the margin for error is smaller than during precision approaches.