PSA Airlines Canadair Regional Jet Systems (PSA-CRJ) Practice Exam

What must be considered when setting a MDA using the air data reference panel?

1. A red line must appear on the radio altimeter

2. It should not impact the navigation accuracy

3. A yellow line will indicate MDA setting

4. A cyan line appears on the barometric altimeter

The correct answer is: A cyan line appears on the barometric altimeter

When setting a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) using the air data reference panel, the presence of a cyan line on the barometric altimeter is significant because it visually indicates the altitude setting that has been established for the approach. This line serves as a reference point for the pilots, ensuring they have properly set and can easily verify the MDA. The use of color coding helps to enhance situational awareness during critical phases of flight, such as an approach where altitude management is crucial for safety. In contrast, other options do not provide the necessary context or relevance for the MDA setting. For example, a red line appearing on the radio altimeter is associated with alerting the crew to heights that are below safe operational thresholds rather than indicating an MDA. Similarly, while ensuring navigation accuracy is always important in flight operations, it is not a direct factor in the physical setting of the MDA on the air data reference panel. The mention of a yellow line for MDA is also not standard practice; the focus is on the cyan line, which is color-coded for clarity in altitude awareness.