Decision altitude (DA)

Definitions

• A specified altitude in the precision approach, charted in feet MSL, at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established.
• Is a specified altitude in an instrument approach procedure at which the pilot must decide whether to initiate an immediate missed approach if the pilot does not see the required visual reference, or to continue the approach. Decision altitude is expressed in feet above mean sea level.
• A specified altitude in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. The term “Decision Altitude (DA)” is referenced to mean sea level and the term “Decision Height (DH)” is referenced to the threshold elevation. Even though DH is charted as an altitude above MSL, the U.S. has adopted the term“DA” as a step toward harmonization of the United States and international terminology. At some point, DA will be published for all future instrument approach procedures with vertical guidance.

References

• 14 C.F.R. Part 1, Federal Aviation Administration, 2026
• Instrument Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2014
• Instrument Procedures Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2017