Definition
The decision altitude point on a precision or approach with vertical guidance procedure: the specific location along the final approach course where the pilot must decide either to continue to land (because the required visual references are in sight and the aircraft is in a position to land normally) or to execute a missed approach. On a copter GPS approach with vertical guidance, the DA point is reached when the aircraft descends to the published decision altitude on the glidepath.
Plain English
The point on the approach where you must decide: land or go around. If you can see the runway or heliport clearly enough to land safely, you continue. If not, you fly the missed approach.
Context Anchor
Seen on copter GPS approach charts and in helicopter instrument approach discussions, especially near the final part of an approach to an airport or heliport.
Derivation
DA stands for Decision Altitude. The word 'decision' is used literally — this is the spot on the approach where a clear yes/no decision must be made.
Why Pilots Care
It is the mandatory go/no-go decision point that protects obstacle clearance if the pilot cannot see the landing environment.
Grounding Statement
At the DA point, the pilot must have the needed view to continue, or the approach changes from landing to missed approach.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the DA point as a place to keep descending while deciding. The decision is made at that point: continue visually if safe, or begin the missed approach.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the DA point, the pilot saw the heliport lighting clearly and continued the approach to landing.
Example Sentence 2
Crossing the DA point with the runway in sight allowed the helicopter to continue to a normal landing.