Definition
A fix designated by ATC, in place of the published missed approach point, where the pilot must begin the missed approach procedure if the landing cannot be completed. It is used during timed approaches from a holding fix to keep aircraft properly separated when several aircraft are sequenced from holding to the same runway.
Plain English
A different point along the approach -- chosen by the controller -- where you start your go-around if you can't land, instead of the normal missed approach point shown on the chart.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach training and diagrams for timed approaches from a holding fix, where several aircraft may be released from holding at planned times.
Derivation
"Alternate" comes from Latin alternatus, meaning "one after the other" or "a substitute." Here it signals that this fix substitutes for the normal missed approach point. Knowing this helps make clear that the fix is not additional -- it replaces the published one for that approach.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a safe, pre-planned routing option that maintains aircraft separation and obstacle clearance when the normal missed approach path is unavailable.
Intuition Check
An alternate missed approach fix is not another place to decide whether to land. It is a different navigation position used after the missed approach is already needed, when the procedure or clearance calls for it.
Example Sentence 1
During timed approaches from holding, the controller assigned an alternate missed approach fix two miles short of the published point to maintain spacing behind the preceding aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
ATC assigned the alternate missed approach fix when the primary fix was blocked by traffic during the holding pattern timing.