What must a pilot see to legally descend below the DA/DH/MDA?

To legally descend below the Decision Altitude (DA), Decision Height (DH), or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), a pilot must visually identify certain components of the runway environment. This requirement is essential for ensuring that the pilot has sufficient visual references to safely land the aircraft.

The components of the runway environment typically include the runway itself, approach lights, threshold markings, runway markings, visual glideslope indicators, and any other relevant visual information that confirms the aircraft is on a safe approach path. By visually confirming these elements, the pilot can assess the landing conditions and make informed decisions about continuing the approach.

In contrast, seeing only runway lights, a visual glideslope indicator, or relying on weather radar information does not fulfill the regulatory requirement. Runway lights alone do not provide complete situational awareness needed for descent, while a visual glideslope indicator is just one part of the visual cues required. Weather radar information, while useful for assessing weather conditions, does not offer visual references necessary for the approach and landing phases. Thus, recognizing various components of the runway environment is critical for safe operations during final approach.