What does the term "decision height" refer to?

The term "decision height" refers to the specific altitude a pilot must reach during an instrument approach to determine whether to continue the descent to land or to execute a go-around if the runway is not in sight or conditions are not suitable for landing. It is a critical point in the approach procedure where the pilot evaluates the visibility and runway environment, enabling them to make an informed choice about whether to safely land or abort the approach.

This concept is vital for maintaining safety during approaches, especially in low-visibility conditions, as it helps pilots to adhere to established protocols that minimize the risk of accidents during landing phases. The decision height is typically established based on the aircraft's approach category, runway lighting, and prevailing weather conditions, ensuring pilots make their decision based on standardized guidelines.