Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your IFR Certification!

When conducting an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, the Decision Height (DH) is a critical point at which the pilot must make a decision based on visibility and whether the required visual references are available. If the approach lights, which provide visual cues for a safe landing, are not visible upon reaching the DH, the pilot is required to execute the missed approach procedure. This decision is grounded in safety protocols that ensure pilots do not continue the landing if they cannot properly see the runway environment, which includes the approach lights.

The rationale is that upon reaching the DH, the pilot must either have the necessary visual references to proceed safely to a landing or initiate the missed approach. This is crucial as continuing the descent without adequate visual references could lead to unsafe conditions, including the risk of landing on an incorrect surface or at an inappropriate time.

In contrast, the other choices would not align with safe flying practices under IFR conditions. Continuing the approach to the localizer MDA or the approach threshold without necessary visual references increases the risk of an unsafe landing, while attempting to contact ATC for further instructions could delay the required decision-making and compromise safety.