What is the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) in aviation?

Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) is defined as the lowest altitude to which an aircraft may descend on a non-precision approach without the required visual references to continue descending further. This altitude ensures that, if visual contact with the runway is not established, the aircraft maintains a safe altitude above the terrain or obstacles in the flight path.

In non-precision approaches, pilots rely on visual cues to land and must adhere to the MDA until they can clearly see the runway or other landmarks that allow them to safely proceed with the landing. This is different from precision approaches, which are associated with decisions and altitudes that allow for continued descent based on guidance from instrument landing systems. The concepts surrounding MDAs ensure a standardized level of safety in aviation when transitioning from instrument flight to visual flight.