Which statement best describes a non-precision approach?

Which statement best describes a non-precision approach?

• A. Uses a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA)
• B. Uses a Glide Path
• C. Uses a Calculated Descent Path
• D. Uses a Decision Altitude (DA)

Answer: (A)

Non-precision approaches rely on a fixed altitude limit rather than a continuous vertical guidance path. You descend to a minimum descent altitude and must remain level until you have the runway environment in sight or the required visual references to land. That use of an MDA, with no glide slope, is what distinguishes non-precision approaches from those with vertical guidance. A glide path is vertical guidance provided by a precision approach, so it’s not describing a non-precision method. A calculated descent path might relate to planning a descent profile, but the instrument path itself for a non-precision approach does not offer a built-in vertical trajectory like a glide slope or a decision altitude. A decision altitude is tied to precision approaches with vertical guidance; you must decide to land or go around at that altitude.

Non-precision approaches rely on a fixed altitude limit rather than a continuous vertical guidance path. You descend to a minimum descent altitude and must remain level until you have the runway environment in sight or the required visual references to land. That use of an MDA, with no glide slope, is what distinguishes non-precision approaches from those with vertical guidance.

A glide path is vertical guidance provided by a precision approach, so it’s not describing a non-precision method. A calculated descent path might relate to planning a descent profile, but the instrument path itself for a non-precision approach does not offer a built-in vertical trajectory like a glide slope or a decision altitude. A decision altitude is tied to precision approaches with vertical guidance; you must decide to land or go around at that altitude.