A pilot is flying an RNAV (GPS) approach to an airport with a published LNAV minimums line. The approach chart depicts a Visual Descent Point (VDP) 1.5 NM from the runway threshold. The pilot has the runway environment in sight at the MDA, but is 2.5 NM from the threshold. What is the appropriate action?
- AExecute a missed approach, as being beyond the VDP requires a missed approach.
- BMaintain MDA until reaching the VDP, then commence a normal descent to the runway.
- CContinue the descent below MDA, as the runway environment is in sight.
- DCommence a descent at a steeper than normal glideslope to reach the runway.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Maintain MDA until reaching the VDP, then commence a normal descent to the runway.
A Visual Descent Point (VDP) is a defined point on the final approach course of a nonprecision straight-in approach procedure from which a normal descent from the MDA to the runway touchdown point may be commenced, provided the runway environment is in sight. If the pilot has the runway environment in sight but is *before* the VDP, they must maintain MDA until reaching the VDP. Descending below MDA before the VDP is prohibited, and commencing a steeper than normal descent is unsafe. Being *beyond* the VDP does not automatically require a missed approach if the runway environment is in sight and a normal landing can still be made, but in this scenario, the pilot is *before* the VDP (2.5 NM from threshold, VDP is 1.5 NM from threshold).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Being before the VDP does not *require* a missed approach. It requires maintaining MDA until the VDP, or until the MAP if no VDP or if VDP is passed and a normal descent is still possible.
- C. Descending below MDA before the VDP is not permitted, even if the runway environment is in sight, as it could lead to an unsafe descent angle.
- D. Commencing a steeper than normal descent is unsafe and not authorized from MDA, especially before the VDP.
Visual Descent Point (VDP) Action
The Visual Descent Point (VDP) on a nonprecision approach marks the earliest point where a normal descent from the MDA to the runway can be initiated, provided the runway environment is in sight. If a pilot reaches MDA before the VDP, they must maintain MDA until reaching the VDP.
- VDP is for nonprecision straight-in approaches.
- Marks earliest point for normal descent from MDA.
- Maintain MDA until VDP if reached early.
- Runway environment must be in sight to descend at VDP.
Memory trick: VDP: Verify, Don't Plunge.