What is a 'missed approach' and when is it initiated?

What is a 'missed approach' and when is it initiated?

• A. A missed approach is a procedure used to cancel the approach and exit the airspace.
• B. A missed approach is a published procedure to discontinue an approach and climb to a specified altitude to rejoin another approach or route, typically initiated when the required visual or instrument criteria are not met at the decision point.
• C. A missed approach is initiated only when the aircraft cannot land due to weather.
• D. A missed approach requires landing on the first available runway.

Answer: (B)

A missed approach is a defined, published procedure used when an instrument approach cannot be completed as planned. It starts at the decision point (the point where you determine you have or don’t have the required visual references or instrument guidance) and involves climbing to a specified altitude while following a published path to rejoin another approach or route. The purpose is to ensure obstacle clearance and provide a safe option to continue the flight, either by reattempting the approach later or proceeding to a holding pattern or alternate procedure. It’s not simply canceling and exiting airspace, and it doesn’t mandate landing on the first available runway—instead, you execute the published missed approach and continue the mission from there.

A missed approach is a defined, published procedure used when an instrument approach cannot be completed as planned. It starts at the decision point (the point where you determine you have or don’t have the required visual references or instrument guidance) and involves climbing to a specified altitude while following a published path to rejoin another approach or route. The purpose is to ensure obstacle clearance and provide a safe option to continue the flight, either by reattempting the approach later or proceeding to a holding pattern or alternate procedure. It’s not simply canceling and exiting airspace, and it doesn’t mandate landing on the first available runway—instead, you execute the published missed approach and continue the mission from there.