Definition
The point in an instrument approach at which the pilot stops attempting to land and begins flying the published missed approach procedure. This occurs when the aircraft reaches the Missed Approach Point (MAP) on a non-precision approach, or the Decision Altitude/Decision Height (DA/DH) on a precision approach, and the required visual references for landing are not in sight, or when a safe landing cannot be made for any other reason.
Plain English
The moment during an instrument approach when the pilot decides not to land and instead climbs away and flies the published escape route. This decision happens at a specific point or altitude defined by the approach chart.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach discussions, especially when describing where the final approach segment ends.
Derivation
‘Missed’ here means ‘not completed,’ not ‘failed to notice.’ A missed approach is an approach that did not result in a landing, so the pilot moves to the published procedure for what to do next.
Why Pilots Care
It protects the aircraft from runway incursions, terrain, and loss of control by following a pre-planned climb and routing that keeps everyone safe while setting up for another attempt or diversion.
Grounding Statement
Picture reaching the point where the runway is not safely in sight, so you add power, climb, and follow the charted escape path.
Intuition Check
Do not read “initiated” as just deciding that a missed approach might be needed. Here it means the missed approach has actually begun with pilot action.
Example Sentence 1
When the pilot reached minimums and could not see the runway environment, a missed approach procedure was initiated.
Example Sentence 2
After the approach lights were not visible at the missed approach point, a missed approach procedure is initiated as published on the chart.