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MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE (MDA)

Pilot/Controller Glossary with JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

The lowest altitude, expressed in feet above mean sea level, to which descent is authorized on final approach or during circle‐to‐land maneuvering in execution of a standard instrument approach procedure where no electronic glideslope is provided.

See NONPRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURE.

Also called MDA.

In the 7110.65

Used in 8 paragraphs of JO 7110.65BB.

  1. 1-2-6Abbreviations
  2. 2-4-17Numbers Usage
  3. 4-8-6Circling Approach
  4. 4-8-7Side-Step Maneuver
  5. 5-11-1Altitude Information
  6. 5-11-3Descent Notification
  7. 5-11-4Descent Instructions
  8. 6-7-1Application