Which statement is correct concerning ASR approaches when flying a straight-in approach?

When conducting an ASR (Approach Surveillance Radar) approach and flying a straight-in approach, the correct statement is that you should maintain altitude at the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) until visual contact with the runway or the approaches has been established.

This procedure is critical because the MDA represents the lowest altitude to which you can descend during the approach without visual references. The intent is to ensure safety by allowing pilots to evaluate their position and visibility before making the final descent for landing. It is only after visual contact is made that the pilot is permitted to descend below the MDA and continue to the runway.

The other options either misrepresent protocol or safety standards regarding ASR approaches. For instance, while it's important to maintain safety regarding minimum altitudes, the statement that one must not descend below minimum safe altitude under any circumstances overlooks scenarios where visual contact may lead to a safe landing option. Adjusting descent rates is also guided by visual references and surrounding conditions, which makes the assertion about descent rates non-specific and potentially misleading without clear reference to visual requirements. Therefore, maintaining altitude at the MDA until visual contact is critical for safe approach operations.