5-11-3. DESCENT NOTIFICATION

5-11-3. DESCENT NOTIFICATION

1. 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.

2. 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).