How can a pilot recognize the missed approach point on the LNAV/VNAV approach?

In an LNAV/VNAV approach, the missed approach point is recognized when the aircraft reaches the LNAV/VNAV Decision Altitude (DA). This altitude is specifically defined in the approach procedure and indicates the point at which the pilot must decide whether to continue the approach or execute a missed approach. If the required visual references for landing are not acquired at or before reaching this altitude, the pilot is obligated to initiate a missed approach.

The LNAV/VNAV Decision Altitude is important because it integrates the lateral navigation and vertical navigation capabilities, ensuring that pilots are making their decisions based on precise altitude criteria rather than relying solely on terrain or other factors. Thus, safely guiding the pilot in ensuring that they either complete the landing or execute the missed approach in a timely and controlled manner is critical.

Other concepts like the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and the final approach fix have different implications in the approach process and do not govern the specific decision-making point for an LNAV/VNAV approach. MDA is associated with non-precision approaches, while the final approach fix is a point in the approach that does not directly correspond to the decision altitude used in an LNAV/VNAV approach decision-making process.