In aviation terminology, what does the abbreviation DA stand for?

• A. Decision Altitude
• B. Direct Approach
• C. Descent Altitude
• D. Data Access

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is the point on an instrument approach where you must decide whether to land or execute a missed approach. DA stands for Decision Altitude. It’s the altitude (usually given in feet MSL) at which you must have the required visual references to continue the landing; if those references aren’t in sight by then, you initiate a missed approach. This term is used on approaches with vertical guidance (precision and similar procedures). For non-precision approaches, the equivalent limit is a Minimum Descent Altitude, which isn’t the same as a decision altitude. The other options aren’t standard terms for this minimum/decision point in aviation terminology.