Instrument Rating – Airplane › VI. Instrument Approach Procedures › Task A. Non-precision Approach

IR.VI.A.R7

Risk management

Operating below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without proper visual references.

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Instrument Procedures Handbook p. 4-19
Chapter 4: Approaches › Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), Decision Altitude (DA), And Decision Height (DH)
Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), Decision Altitude (DA), And Decision Height (DH) MDA—the lowest altitude, expressed in feet MSL, to which descent is authorized on final approach or during circle-to land maneuvering in execution of a standard instrument approach ... procedure (SIAP) where no electronic glideslope is provided. DA—a specified altitude in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. DH—with respect…
14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules Open
14 CFR § 91.1717 Operating requirements.
Operating requirements. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane in single pilot operations unless that airplane has a functional autopilot. (b) A person may operate a Mitsubishi ... airplane in single pilot operations without a functional autopilot when— (1) Operating under day visual flight rule requirements; or (2) Authorized under a FAA approved minimum equipment list for that airplane, operating under instrument flight rule requirements in daytime visual…
Instrument Procedures Handbook p. 4-37
Chapter 4: Approaches › Maximum Acceptable Descent Rates
Descent Rates and Glidepaths for Nonprecision Approaches Maximum Acceptable Descent Rates Operational experience and research have shown that a descent rate of greater than approximately 1,000 fpm is unacceptable during the final stages of an approach (below ... human perceptual limitation that is independent of the type of airplane or helicopter. Therefore, the operational practices and techniques must ensure that descent rates greater than 1,000 fpm are not permitted in either the instrument or visual portions…
Instrument Procedures Handbook p. 4-23
Chapter 4: Approaches › Vertical Navigation
Terminal Procedures Publication. This rate of descent can be flown with the Vertical Velocity Indicator (VVI) in order to use the VDA as an aid to flying a stabilized descent. No special equipment is required. In rare cases, the LNAV ... nonprecision MAP. This should serve as a clear indication to the pilot that obstacles exist below the MDA, which must be seen in order to ensure adequate clearance. In those cases, the glide path may be treated…
Instrument Procedures Handbook p. 4-22
Chapter 4: Approaches › Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and Instrument Approaches [Figure 4-10A]
Figure 4-11A. VNAV information. Operators that have a specific approval from the FAA to conduct special IAPs should evaluate those instrument procedures to determine their compatibility with EFVS operations. Special IAPs are frequently dependent on the ability ... operator to meet certain requirements that may include aircraft performance, equipage, airport facility equipment, crew training, or other requirements. These procedures also may have nonstandard features such as nonstandard final approach course alignment, nonstandard descent gradients, or other features that…