Plain English Meaning
On a non-precision approach, it is the spot along the final approach where, if you can see the runway, you can leave your minimum altitude and start a normal descent to land. Before reaching this point, you stay at the minimum altitude. If you reach the point and still cannot see the runway, you cannot start a normal descent from there.
Full Definition
A defined point on the final approach course of a non-precision straight-in approach procedure from which the pilot may begin a normal descent from the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) to the runway touchdown point, provided the required visual references are in sight.
Context Anchor
Seen on some instrument approach procedures, especially nonprecision approaches where the pilot levels at a minimum descent altitude before descending to the runway.
Derivation
The name describes its function plainly: a 'visual' point because you must have the runway environment in sight, and a 'descent' point because it is where you begin the descent from the minimum altitude toward the runway.
Why Pilots Care
It gives pilots a clear location to start a stabilized descent once visual contact is made, reducing the chance of a rushed or unstable landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Visual Descent Point” as simply “the place where I first see the runway.” It is a specific point on the approach that supports a normal descent, and you still need the required visual reference before descending below the minimum descent altitude.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the VDP on the RNAV approach, the captain confirmed the runway was in sight before leaving the MDA.
Example Sentence 2
If the runway environment was not visible by the visual descent point, the pilot continued at the minimum altitude and prepared for the missed approach.