Last month we published an excellent article by Lee Smith, “Danger Below MDA.” In it, Lee points out that for many non-precision approaches you can’t tell from the approach chart, no matter whether you’re using AeroNav or Jeppesen charts, what level of obstruction clearance you have—or don’t have—below the MDA on your way to the runway.
Look Out Below
Key Takeaways:
- Non-precision approach charts often lack clear information regarding obstruction clearance below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA).
- Although GPS navigators provide continuous vertical guidance to the runway, following this guidance below the MDA on a non-precision approach does not guarantee obstacle clearance.
- Pilots are cautioned against over-reliance on GPS vertical guidance below MDA and must visually fly to actively see and avoid obstacles once "going visual."
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