Minimum Descent Altitude – The Wise Pilot

The altitude above sea level (ASL) specified in the Canada Air Pilot (CAP) or the route and approach inventory for a non- precision approach, below which descent shall not be made until the required visual reference to continue the approach to land has been established.

Glossary: Height Above Aerodrome
The height in feet of the minimum descent altitude (MDA) above the published aerodrome elevation.
Glossary: Height Above Touchdown Zone Elevation
The height in feet of the decision height (DH) or the minimum descent altitude (MDA) above the touchdown zone elevation (TDZE).
Glossary: Non Precision Approach Procedure
An instrument approach procedure (IAP) in which only electronic azimuth information is provided. No electronic glide path (GP) information is provided and obstacle assessment in the final segment is based on minimum descent altitude (MDA).