Definition
A missed approach segment whose initial portion requires the aircraft to climb straight ahead on the final approach course (or runway heading) to a specified altitude before any turning maneuver is permitted. The published procedure dictates the climb requirement, the altitude that must be reached, and the point or fix at which the turning portion of the missed approach begins.
Plain English
A go-around procedure where you must first climb straight ahead to a certain altitude before you are allowed to turn. You keep wings level, climb, and only start turning once you reach the altitude or fix the chart specifies.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used during the missed approach briefing before starting an instrument approach.
Why Pilots Care
Provides required obstacle clearance during the initial phase of a go-around in instrument conditions.
Grounding Statement
Picture reaching the point where you must decide whether to land; if you cannot land, you immediately climb away while following the charted escape path.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just any climb after deciding not to land. In this context, it means the specific published missed approach climb and path for that instrument procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate called for a climbing missed approach to 2,500 feet before the right turn to the holding fix, so the pilot kept the wings level until reaching that altitude.
Example Sentence 2
The published procedure called for a climbing missed approach to 2,000 feet before turning left to the holding fix.