In the Time Method for determining VDP, how is the time prior to the MAP calculated?

• A. MDA in AGL divided by 10
• B. MDA in AGL divided by 100
• C. MDA in AGL multiplied by 10
• D. MDA in AGL plus 10

Answer: (A)

The Time Method uses a simple rule to turn how high you are above the runway at the MDA into how long before the MAP you should begin a visual descent. You assume a steady descent rate of about 600 feet per minute (roughly 10 feet per second) once you have the runway environment in sight. So the time you need before reaching the MAP equals the MDA value in feet AGL divided by 10, giving you a time in seconds. For example, at 500 feet MDA AGL, you’d plan to start the visual descent about 50 seconds before the MAP. This helps ensure you can complete the approach visually and be ready to land if the runway is visible, while still maintaining the MDA until that point.