Decision Altitude

What is decision altitude?

Decision altitude (DA) is a specified altitude, measured in feet above mean sea level (MSL), used during a precision approach. When you reach this altitude, you must immediately begin a missed approach if you haven't established the required visual reference to land. Think of it as the "make-or-break" point on a precision approach—if you can't see the runway environment by the time you hit DA, you go around.

Also known as: DA, decision altitude (DA)

Learn more in the library

• IFR Approach Minimums and Decision Altitude vs Minimum Descent Altitude →
• Decision Altitude vs Decision Height in Precision Approaches →
• Decision Altitude vs Decision Height vs MDA Explained →

Related terms

• cylinder head temperature
• datum
• datum (reference datum)
• dead reckoning
• decision height
• decompression sickness
• delamination
• density altitude