What is the Minimum Decision Altitude (MDA) requirement for a VOR approach?

The correct answer highlights the importance of the Minimum Decision Altitude (MDA) in a VOR approach, which is a critical aspect of aviation procedures. The MDA is a specified altitude in the approach procedure that must be maintained until visual contact with the runway environment is established and the aircraft is in a safe position for landing.

For a VOR approach, the requirement emphasizes that pilots must reach the MDA and visually confirm the runway environment, which includes the runway itself, approach lights, or any other associated visual cues that indicate a safe landing can be made.

Ensuring that the MDA and the runway environment are confirmed is vital for safety, as it helps prevent landing in conditions where the pilot has not established adequate visual reference, which can lead to controlled flight into terrain or obstacles.

Other options do not directly address the criteria needed for a VOR approach. Ground visibility alone lacks the requirement for a visual reference to the runway, Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is more related to maintaining safe vertical separation during approaches, and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) are designed for navigation to the terminal area but do not pertain to the descent and landing phase governed by MDA.