During approach, through the 6-mile DME fix, what altitude is required at final approach speed?

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Multiple Choice

During approach, through the 6-mile DME fix, what altitude is required at final approach speed?

The key idea is that on an instrument approach, the altitude at the final approach transition point (the 6-mile DME fix) is published to guarantee a safe, stabilized descent when you’re flying the designated final approach speed. This fix marks the start of the final approach segment, and the published altitude there is chosen to maintain obstacle clearance and give you a proper vertical path to the runway. For this particular approach, that published altitude at the 6-mile DME fix is 1,200 feet. Being at 1,200 feet at that point provides the correct starting point to descend along the established final approach path while keeping you within safe margins for obstacle clearance and the intended descent rate. Choosing a lower or higher altitude at that fix would push you off the intended vertical profile, either tightening the margin to terrain/obstacles or requiring an abrupt change in descent rate later. Remember, the altitude is typically in feet MSL; to get height above the runway, compare it to the field elevation.

The key idea is that on an instrument approach, the altitude at the final approach transition point (the 6-mile DME fix) is published to guarantee a safe, stabilized descent when you’re flying the designated final approach speed. This fix marks the start of the final approach segment, and the published altitude there is chosen to maintain obstacle clearance and give you a proper vertical path to the runway.

For this particular approach, that published altitude at the 6-mile DME fix is 1,200 feet. Being at 1,200 feet at that point provides the correct starting point to descend along the established final approach path while keeping you within safe margins for obstacle clearance and the intended descent rate. Choosing a lower or higher altitude at that fix would push you off the intended vertical profile, either tightening the margin to terrain/obstacles or requiring an abrupt change in descent rate later.

Remember, the altitude is typically in feet MSL; to get height above the runway, compare it to the field elevation.

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