8.missed-approach-procedure. Missed Approach Procedure
A missed approach is the maneuver conducted by a pilot when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a landing. Every published instrument approach procedure (IAP) includes a missed approach segment that begins at the missed approach point (MAP) and provides obstacle clearance, climb gradient, and a safe transition to a holding fix where the pilot can hold, request another approach clearance, or proceed to an alternate.
When a Missed Approach Is Required
Under 14 CFR 91.175(c), the pilot must execute a missed approach whenever any of the following conditions exist at the MAP (or upon descending below DA/MDA):
- The required flight visibility prescribed in the IAP is not available.
- The aircraft is not continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvers.
- At least one of the visual references for the intended runway listed in 91.175(c)(3) is not distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot.
A missed approach is also required any time the pilot loses visual reference after descending below DA/MDA, when directed by ATC, or when the pilot judges that a safe landing cannot be made.
The Missed Approach Point
The MAP is defined differently depending on the type of approach:
- Precision approach (ILS, GLS) or APV (LPV, LNAV/VNAV): the MAP is reached at the decision altitude (DA) along the glidepath.
- Nonprecision approach: the MAP is identified by a fix, a DME distance, a GPS waypoint, or by timing from the final approach fix (FAF) at the published groundspeed. On a CDI-based nonprecision approach, descent below MDA is prohibited unless the 91.175(c) criteria are met.
For nonprecision approaches using a timed MAP, the pilot must compute time from FAF to MAP based on groundspeed (corrected for wind), using the table on the approach chart. Example: at 90 knots groundspeed, the chart may show 2:00 to the MAP.
Executing the Missed Approach
The published procedure typically includes a climb to a specified altitude, often combined with a turn to a holding fix. A standard missed approach climb gradient of 200 ft/NM is assumed unless a higher gradient is published. Pilots flying aircraft unable to meet a published nonstandard climb gradient must not file or accept that approach in low weather.
The immediate actions on initiating a missed approach are commonly memorized as the 5 Cs (or similar mnemonic):
- Cram — apply maximum allowable power (TOGA on jets, full throttle on piston aircraft).
- Climb — pitch to the published climb attitude; establish a positive rate of climb.
- Clean — retract flaps incrementally per the AFM; retract gear after a positive rate of climb is confirmed.
- Cool — manage cowl flaps, mixture, propeller, and engine temperatures as required.
- Communicate/Confess — report the missed approach to ATC and state intentions.
Fly the airplane first. Pitch, power, configuration, then communicate. A common error is fixating on the radio call before establishing a stabilized climb.
Climbing Turns and Course Tracking
If the published procedure calls for a straight climb to an altitude before turning, do not begin the turn early — terrain and obstacle clearance depend on it. If the procedure says "climbing right turn to 3,000 direct ABCDE," begin the turn immediately while climbing. The TERPS criteria assume the pilot starts the missed approach at the MAP at or above DA/MDA. Initiating the climb earlier than the MAP can compromise obstacle clearance on certain procedures, which is why pilots are expected to fly to the MAP before turning, even after the decision to go missed has been made (FAA guidance: continue to the MAP, climbing along the final approach course, before executing turning portions of the missed approach).
Early Missed Approach
If a missed approach is initiated before reaching the MAP (for example, due to ATC instruction, equipment failure, or unsafe conditions), the pilot should, unless otherwise cleared by ATC, continue along the final approach course to the MAP at or above the MDA/DA before executing any turns specified in the missed approach procedure.
Circling Approach Missed
If the missed approach occurs while circling to land, the pilot makes an initial climbing turn toward the landing runway and continues the turn until established on the published missed approach course. This keeps the airplane within the protected circling area while transitioning to the missed approach segment.
ATC Communication
Promptly state: aircraft callsign, "missed approach," and intentions. Example: "Approach, Cessna 12345, missed approach, runway 27, climbing to 3,000." ATC will then issue a clearance — typically to the published holding fix or radar vectors for another attempt or to an alternate.
Always brief the missed approach as part of the approach briefing before beginning the procedure. Knowing the climb altitude, initial heading or course, and holding fix in advance prevents task saturation at the moment of highest workload.