Definition
A reference, within 14 CFR Part 97, to the regulatory definition of decision altitude (DA) and decision height (DH) found at section 97.3, paragraph (d)(1). This paragraph defines DA/DH as the specified altitude or height in a precision approach or approach with vertical guidance at which the pilot must decide to either continue the approach or execute a missed approach. Part 97 itself contains the standard instrument approach procedures (SIAPs) prescribed by the FAA, and 97.3 is the definitions section that gives those procedures their legal meaning.
Plain English
It is the part of the federal aviation rules that officially defines what decision altitude and decision height mean on an instrument approach. When a chart or document refers to the 'Part 97.3(d)(1) rule,' it is pointing back to that legal definition.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedure discussions, especially when learning circling approaches, circling minimums, and when a straight-in landing is not the planned or available option.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the body of U.S. aviation law. 'Part 97' is the specific section that publishes standard instrument approach procedures. '97.3' is the definitions paragraph within Part 97, and '(d)(1)' is the sub-paragraph defining DA/DH. Knowing this helps a pilot see that the citation is just an address pointing to a specific line in the regulations.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must comply with this rule to ensure the approach they are flying is legally authorized and meets the safety standards assumed by the published procedure.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying an instrument approach that brings you close to the airport, seeing the airport clearly enough, and then turning visually to line up with a different runway for landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read “circling” as meaning the airplane must fly a full circle around the airport. Here it means visually maneuvering near the airport to line up with the runway for landing.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor explained that the DA shown on the approach chart is grounded in the 14 CFR Part 97.3(d)(1) rule, which legally defines decision altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Before briefing the approach, the pilot confirmed the procedure satisfied the 14 CFR Part 97.3 (d-1) rule for protected airspace.