SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-stepdown-fix-not-identified

On a nonprecision approach you cannot identify the stepdown fix. What becomes your minimum altitude?

The stepdown fix altitude becomes your MDA.

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  1. The lowest circling MDA is allowed
  2. The stepdown fix altitude becomes the MDA ✔
  3. The final approach fix altitude is allowed

Why: Stepdown fixes allow a lower MDA after passing an obstruction. If you cannot identify the fix, you cannot use the lower altitude, so the higher stepdown altitude is your minimum.

Huh, didn't know that: Normally there is only one stepdown fix between the FAF and the MAP, but there can be several.

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What happens when it rains cats and dogs? You have to be careful not to step in a poodle.
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References

Answer: The stepdown fix altitude becomes the MDA. Stepdown fixes allow a lower MDA after passing an obstruction. If you cannot identify the fix, you cannot use the lower altitude, so the higher stepdown altitude is your minimum.

  1. FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/pilots/FAA-H-8083-15B.pdf
    If the stepdown fix cannot be identified for any reason, the minimum altitude at the stepdown fix becomes the MDA for the approach.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

FlyingThe authorized DA/DH or MDA for an approach is which of the available values?FlyingUsing only the approach lights as your visual reference, how low may you descend below DA?FlyingWhat is the lowest decision altitude an LPV approach can have?

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