REGULATION — OFFICIAL DEFINITION
Minimum descent altitude (MDA)
14 CFR § 1.1 — Definitions
Official definition — 14 CFR Part 1
REGULATION — OFFICIAL DEFINITIONMinimum descent altitude (MDA) is the lowest altitude specified in an instrument approach procedure, expressed in feet above mean sea level, to which descent is authorized on final approach or during circle-to-land maneuvering until the pilot sees the required visual references for the heliport or runway of intended landing.
Reproduced verbatim from the eCFR. Regulatory definitions control how the term is used throughout 14 CFR.
Is this a regulation?
Yes — this is regulatory text and is legally binding.
Definition published in 14 CFR Part 1. Regulatory definitions are legally binding wherever the defined term is used in 14 CFR.