What is required when descending below DA/MDA to 100 feet above TDZE?

Descending below Decision Altitude (DA) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) to 100 feet above the Touchdown Zone Elevation (TDZE) necessitates visual confirmation of the runway. This requirement is critical as it ensures that the pilot can see the runway environment and verify that they are in a position to complete a safe landing. When operating in instrument conditions, visual contact with the runway or other approach lights indicates that the pilot has transitioned from reliance on instruments to visual reference, which is essential for making the landing decision at such a low altitude.

In this scenario, visual confirmation signifies that the approach is stable and that the aircraft is properly aligned with the runway for touchdown. Pilots must maintain situational awareness and confirm that the runway is clearly visible to avoid potential hazards.

While other options may be important in different contexts of flight operation, none provide the immediate assurance of safety and landing readiness that visual confirmation does when descending to such a low altitude. For example, reading the altimeter is essential during flight but does not aid in confirming the runway visually, and activating landing lights is typically standard procedure but doesn’t substitute for seeing the runway. Similarly, consulting the flight manual, while valuable for reference during procedures, does not contribute directly to