Definition
On a non-precision approach, MDA-VIS refers to the published Minimum Descent Altitude paired with the required flight visibility for that approach. The MDA is the lowest altitude to which the aircraft may descend during the final approach segment without visual reference to the runway environment, and the VIS value is the minimum flight visibility the pilot must have to legally continue the approach below MDA toward landing.
Plain English
It is a two-part minimum on a non-precision approach: the lowest altitude you are allowed to descend to without seeing the runway, and the minimum visibility you need in order to keep going down once you do see it.
Context Anchor
Seen in radar approach minimums, such as ASR approach information and the minimums shown in Figure 10-10 of the Instrument Flying Handbook.
Derivation
MDA stands for Minimum Descent Altitude; VIS is short for visibility. The pairing reflects how non-precision approach minimums have always been published — an altitude floor combined with a required visibility value.
Why Pilots Care
It decides whether the pilot can complete the landing or must fly the missed approach procedure.
Intuition Check
Do not read MDA-VIS as one single number. It is a paired minimum: one part is altitude, and the other part is visibility.
Example Sentence 1
The chart showed MDA-VIS of 720 feet and 1 statute mile, so the pilot briefed both the altitude floor and the visibility needed to continue.
Example Sentence 2
With visibility below MDA-VIS the pilot must level at the MDA and begin the missed approach.