Aviation Glossary - Decision Height

Decision Height

With respect to the operation of aircraft, the height at which point a decision must be made during an instrument approach to either continue the approach or to execute a missed approach [abort].

source: FAA Aerosense Glossary

Decision height (DH) is a specified height above the ground in an instrument approach procedure at which the pilot must decide whether to initiate an immediate missed approach if the pilot does not see the required visual reference, or to continue the approach. Decision height is expressed in feet above ground level.

source: FAA Federal Aviation Regulations (CFR 14 Part 1)

Decision Altitude / Decision Height: A specified altitude in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. The term “Decision Altitude (DA)” is referenced to mean sea level and the term “Decision Height (DH)” is referenced to the threshold elevation. Even though DH is charted as an altitude above MSL, the U.S. has adopted the term “DA” as a step toward harmonization of the United States and international terminology. At some point, DA will be published for all future instrument approach procedures with vertical guidance.

source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16)

With respect to the operation of aircraft, means the height at which a decision must be made during an ILS, MLS, or PAR instrument approach to either continue the approach or to execute a missed approach.

source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary

A specified altitude or height (A/H) in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established.

Decision altitude (DA) is referenced to mean sea level and decision height (DH) is referenced to the threshold elevation.
Category II and III minima are expressed as a DH and not a DA. Minima is assessed by reference to a radio altimeter and not a barometric altimeter, which makes the minima a DH.
The required visual reference means that section of the visual aids or of the approach area which should have been in view for sufficient time for the pilot to have made an assessment of the aircraft position and rate of change of position, in relation to the desired flight path. Decision altitude (DA) A specified altitude (mean sea level (MSL)) on an instrument approach procedure (ILS, GLS, vertically guided RNAV) at which the pilot must decide whether to continue the approach or initiate an immediate missed approach if the pilot does not see the required visual references.

source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary

Decision Height (DH): A specified altitude in the precision approach, charted in height above threshold elevation, at which a decision must be made either to continue the approach or to execute a missed approach.

source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)

A specified altitude in the precision approach, charted in height above threshold elevation, at which a decision must be made either to continue the approach or to execute a missed approach.

source: FAA Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2)

DH: the height above the ground shown on the radio altimeter in final approach at which the pilot must decide to land or go around: ‘100 above’ – ‘Continuing’

source: ICAO English Pro Aviation Glossary