Determination of DA(H)

[rudderrudderrat]

Hi,

The NOTAM I seem to remember read like something like this.
(copied and pasted from the link (11) posted above.)

"Using the MDA as a DA
There are many aircraft today that are equipped with vertical navigation equipment and are capable and authorized to fly the computed descent angle on non-precision approaches. Because of this capability and the airlines’ desire to use more of the capability in their FMSs, the FAA issued a Joint flight Standards handbook bulletin for Air Transportation (HBAT) and General Aviation (HBGA). The Bulletin number is HBAT 99-08 and HBGA 99-12 and is applicable to operators under FAR 121, 125, 129, or 135.

The profile view with KENDO as the FAF shows a slightly different depiction of the descent angle. Instead of a dotted line, there is a dashed line from the FAF down to the MDA. Note that the dashed line stops at the MDA and is followed by a small arrow that curves up at the MDA. This shows that the MDA can be used as a DA(H).

Once the statement is made that the MDA can be used as a DA(H), a lot of explaining is necessary. And a lot of conditions must be met.

There is a small ball flag with the number “1” at the bottom of the dashed line. The ball flag refers to the note that states, “Only authorized operators may use VNAV DA(H) in lieu of MDA(H).” First, special approval from the FAA is necessary for each operator to gain this new benefit. And - the approval is only for certain airplanes used by the operator. And the big “IF.” The MDA may be used as a DA only if there has been a visual segment obstacle assessment made for the straight-in landing runway. The FAA has stated that there has been an obstacle assessment when the runway has a VASI or PAPI as a visual guidance system indicator, an electronic glideslope, or an RNAV approach published with a decision altitude.

Since an obstacle assessment has been made, the FAA has authorized the DA since it is assumed that a momentary descent will be made below the DA during the execution of a missed approach."