MDA vs. DA Made Simple: A Guide to IFR Minimums
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 12, 2024
Pilots use special paths called IFR approaches to help them line up with the runway. Minimums are the lowest height you can go without seeing the runway. Both MDA and DA are measured from sea level, just like the altimeter in the airplane. This is like DA but measured from the runway’s height above sea level.
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