Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

During an instrument approach, the critical altitude to call out is 100 feet above the decision altitude (DA) or minimum descent altitude (MDA). This is because at this altitude, the pilot needs to be particularly vigilant about the aircraft's position relative to the runway and whether they can visually identify the runway environment. The callout serves as an important reminder that the aircraft is nearing a critical point in the approach where a decision must be made regarding whether to continue descending or to execute a missed approach if the required visual references are not in sight.

Calling out this altitude aligns with standard operating procedures for instrument flight, emphasizing the need for awareness during the most sensitive phases of the approach to ensure safety and compliance with instrument flight rules. While other altitudes are significant too, the 100-foot callout is especially crucial for operational decision-making during the final stages of the approach.