Päätöskorkeus

Päätöskorkeus is a Finnish term that translates to "decision height" or "decision altitude" in English. It is a critical altitude used in aviation, specifically during instrument approaches to landing. This altitude represents the point at which the pilot must decide whether to continue the approach to a landing or to initiate a go-around.

The specific decision height is determined by factors such as the airport's approved instrument approach procedure, the prevailing weather conditions (particularly visibility and cloud ceiling), and the aircraft's equipment. If the required visual references for landing, such as runway lights and markings, are not visible by the time the aircraft reaches the decision height, the pilot is obligated to abort the landing and climb away from the runway.

This concept is a fundamental safety measure designed to prevent pilots from continuing an approach into conditions where a safe landing is not possible, thereby mitigating the risk of controlled flight into terrain or a runway excursion. The decision height is clearly published on instrument approach charts for each specific runway.