In a PAR approach, how is the DA/DH determined?

In a PAR approach, how is the DA/DH determined?

• A. An altitude shown on your altimeter, or ATC advice, whichever occurs first
• B. The published barrier altitude for the sector
• C. The candidate altitude from the ILS minimums
• D. The altitude of the destination field

Answer: (A)

In a PAR approach, your decision altitude/height is determined by two real-time sources: the altitude shown on your own altimeter and any altitude clearance given by ATC during the radar-guided descent. The moment you either reach the published altitude on your altimeter that defines the decision point, or you receive an ATC instruction to a specific altitude, that becomes the point at which you must decide to land or execute a missed approach. This setup accommodates the dynamic radar guidance from the controller, ensuring you have a valid decision point even if ATC changes your vertical profile. The other options don’t apply because barrier altitudes, ILS minimums, or field elevation aren’t used to fix the DA/DH in a PAR procedure.