MDA

MDA (Minimum Descent Altitude) is the lowest altitude to which descent is authorized on a non-precision approach without the required visual reference. Unlike DA/DH on precision approaches, the pilot may level off at the MDA and continue to the missed approach point, hoping to acquire visual reference before reaching it.

If the runway environment is not in sight at the missed approach point, a missed approach must be executed. MDA is referenced to mean sea level (MSL).