Missed Approach

Missed Approach is a procedure executed by the pilot when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a landing — either because visual reference with the runway is not established at the decision altitude/minimum descent altitude, or because the approach becomes unstabilized. The missed approach procedure is published on each approach chart.

• Includes a climb instruction, heading or track, and a holding fix
• Must be initiated at or before the missed approach point (MAP)
• Can also be initiated at any point during the approach for safety reasons
• After a missed approach, the aircraft typically enters a holding pattern or receives vectors for another approach