Ist keine Belehrung!
ICAO Doc. 8168:
1.6.1 In general, minima are developed by adding the effect of a number of operational factors to OCA/H to produce, in the case of precision approaches, decision altitude (DA) or decision height (DH) and, in the case of non- precision approaches, minimum descent altitude (MDA) or minimum descent height (MDH).
1.6.2 Operators may specify two types of approach procedures for non-precision approaches. The first is that described as: “descend immediately to not below the minimum stepdown fix altitude/height or MDA/H as appropriate”. This method is acceptable as long as the achieved descent gradient remains below 15 per cent and the missed approach is initiated at or before the MAPt.
This procedure is often called: Step Down Approach
Alternatively, operators are encouraged to use a stabilized approach technique for non-precision approaches. This technique requires a continuous descent with a rate of descent adjusted to achieve a constant descent gradient to a point 15 m (50 ft) above threshold, taking due regard of the minimum crossing altitudes/heights specified for the FAF and any prescribed stepdown fix.
This procedure is called: Continuous Descend Approach (CDA).
Note 2.- When using the "stabilized approach" technique in a non-precision approach, the altitude/height at which the missed approach manoeuvre is initiated is a matter of pilot judgement based on the prevailing conditions and the overriding requirement to remain above the MDA/H.
Jeppesen BRIEFING BULLETIN 26 SEP 08 JEP 08-D:
a. All non-precision approaches will be reviewed to show CDFA (Continuous Descent Final Approach) profile
and minimums.
b. In case of CDFA only, a
DA(H) is shown instead of the previously published
MDA(H). The missed approach
point is still shown according to state source but the missed approach initiation arrow is moved to the point
where the DA(H) is reached.
c. Jeppesen charted AOM do not include an add-on when current MDA(H) is replaced by DA(H). Pilots are
reminded to check their operator’s Flight Operations Manual or similar documents whether they have to
apply an add-on or not.
Eurocontrol Safety Reminder Message:
EUROCONTROL has been advised of concerns about the use of Decision Altitude/Height (DA(H)) instead of Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA(H)) as the aerodrome operating minima (AOM) on some non-precision approach charts produced by Jeppesen for countries applying “EU Ops”. This has become a source of confusion and has implications for aircraft operators.
Commission Regulation EC 859/2008 dated 20 August 2008, EU Ops 1.430(d) 2 (applicable from 16 July 2011) states that “all non-precision approaches shall be flown using the continuous descent final approaches (CDFA) technique”.
It is critical to flight safety that pilots brief the DA(H) or MDA(H) (as appropriate) so that there is no ambiguity as to what minimums are being used irrespective of the type of approach being flown.
