5-11-3

Descent Notification

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Issue advance notice of where descent will begin and issue the straight‐in MDA prior to issuing final descent for the approaches.
Note

The point at which descent to the minimum descent altitude is authorized is the final approach fix unless an altitude limiting stepdown‐fix is prescribed.
When it is determined that the surveillance approach will terminate in a circle to land maneuver, request the aircraft approach category from the pilot. After receiving the aircraft approach category, provide him/her with the applicable circling MDA prior to issuing final descent for the approach.
Note

Pilots are normally expected to furnish the aircraft approach category to the controller when it is determined that the surveillance approach will terminate in a circle to land maneuver. If this information is not voluntarily given, solicit the aircraft approach category from the pilot, and then issue him/her the applicable circling MDA.

Phraseology

PREPARE TO DESCEND IN (number) MILE(S).
for straight‐in approaches,
MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE (altitude).
for circling approaches,
REQUEST YOUR AIRCRAFT APPROACH CATEGORY. (Upon receipt of aircraft approach category), PUBLISHED CIRCLING MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE (altitude).