On a nonprecision approach with a published Visual Descent Point (VDP), what action is permitted if you have the required visual references?

On a nonprecision approach with a published Visual Descent Point (VDP), what action is permitted if you have the required visual references?

• A. Continue along the published descent path to the MDA
• B. Descend from the MDA to the runway if the required visual references are in sight
• C. Initiate a missed approach immediately
• D. Maintain altitude until the Missed Approach Point

Answer: (B)

A Visual Descent Point marks the point on a nonprecision approach where you may begin a normal descent from the minimum descent altitude to the runway, but only if the required visual references are in sight. When you have those references, you’re allowed to descend from the MDA to the runway and continue visually to land, following the published descent path. So, with the required visuals, descending from the MDA to the runway aligns with how a VDP is intended to be used. If you don’t have the visual references, you must stay at the MDA until you either acquire them or reach the missed approach point and execute a missed approach. Initiating a missed approach immediately or maintaining altitude without the visuals would not be appropriate when the visual cues are available.

A Visual Descent Point marks the point on a nonprecision approach where you may begin a normal descent from the minimum descent altitude to the runway, but only if the required visual references are in sight. When you have those references, you’re allowed to descend from the MDA to the runway and continue visually to land, following the published descent path.

So, with the required visuals, descending from the MDA to the runway aligns with how a VDP is intended to be used. If you don’t have the visual references, you must stay at the MDA until you either acquire them or reach the missed approach point and execute a missed approach. Initiating a missed approach immediately or maintaining altitude without the visuals would not be appropriate when the visual cues are available.