Definition
The decision altitude published on an instrument approach chart that applies when the pilot intends to circle to land rather than land straight-in from the final approach course. On reaching CMDA during a precision or approach with vertical guidance, the pilot must have the required visual references to circle to the landing runway; if not, a missed approach is required.
Plain English
It is the lowest altitude you are allowed to descend to on an approach when you plan to circle around to land on a different runway. If you cannot see what you need to safely circle by the time you reach this altitude, you have to go around.
Context Anchor
Seen when briefing or flying an instrument approach that ends with a circle-to-land maneuver instead of a straight-in landing.
Why Pilots Care
It gives a precise, safe point to abandon the approach rather than continuing into an unsafe landing.
Grounding Statement
At CMDA, picture the aircraft near the airport, still maneuvering visually, with the pilot deciding whether the landing can continue safely.
Intuition Check
CMDA is not the same as a precision-approach decision altitude used straight ahead on an ILS. Here, the decision is tied to circling minimums and the safety of continuing a visual maneuver near the airport.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching CMDA, the pilot had the airport in sight and began the circling maneuver to line up with runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
The approach plate showed a CMDA of 860 feet for the circling maneuver to runway 27.