If a stepdown fix is established on the final approach track, the descent shall be made so as to:

• A. pass the fix not below the specified crossing altitude
• B. pass the fix at the rate of descent of 500 ft/min
• C. follow approximately 50 ft above the nominal glide path
• D. leave the intermediate approach altitude step by step until MAPt

Answer: (A)

When a stepdown fix lies on the final approach track, you must respect the published crossing altitude at that fix. The rule is to cross the fix at or above the specified crossing altitude to ensure obstacle clearance and proper sequencing of the approach. This constraint prevents you from descending too early and ensures you’re on the correct vertical path as you reach the fix, after which you proceed with the next segment of the approach.

The other ideas don’t fit this principle. A fixed descent rate isn’t mandated by the stepdown fix itself and depends on speed, aircraft weight, and charted procedures. Trying to stay a certain distance above a nominal glide path isn’t what the stepdown fix prescribes. And continuing to step down in increments until the missed approach point would ignore the explicit crossing-altitude restriction that protects obstacle clearance on the approach.