If runway is not in sight at the VDP or MDA, do you execute a missed approach?

If runway is not in sight at the VDP or MDA, do you execute a missed approach?

• A. No, only at the MAP/DA
• B. Yes, you should always execute
• C. No, never
• D. Only if ATC instructs

Answer: (A)

The key idea is when a missed approach must be initiated. On a non-precision approach, you descend to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and stay there until you reach the missed approach point (MAP). The visual descent point (VDP) is a point where, if you have the runway environment in sight, you may begin a visual descent toward the runway. If you do not have the runway in sight at the VDP, you do not automatically miss the approach—you simply continue at MDA until you reach the MAP. If the runway still isn’t in sight at the MAP, you execute the missed approach. For precision approaches, the decision altitude (DA) serves the equivalent role: you go missed if you don’t have the runway in sight at DA. So the correct approach is to initiate the missed at the MAP or DA, not at the VDP or MDA.

The key idea is when a missed approach must be initiated. On a non-precision approach, you descend to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and stay there until you reach the missed approach point (MAP). The visual descent point (VDP) is a point where, if you have the runway environment in sight, you may begin a visual descent toward the runway. If you do not have the runway in sight at the VDP, you do not automatically miss the approach—you simply continue at MDA until you reach the MAP. If the runway still isn’t in sight at the MAP, you execute the missed approach. For precision approaches, the decision altitude (DA) serves the equivalent role: you go missed if you don’t have the runway in sight at DA. So the correct approach is to initiate the missed at the MAP or DA, not at the VDP or MDA.