Definition
The Missed Approach Point is the position on an instrument approach procedure at which, if the required visual references for the intended runway are not in sight or a safe landing cannot be made, the pilot must execute the published missed approach procedure. Its location is depicted on the approach chart and is defined by a specific fix, distance, time from the final approach fix, or by reaching a published altitude (such as the Decision Altitude on a precision approach).
Plain English
It's the spot on an instrument approach where the pilot has to decide: either the runway is in sight and a safe landing is possible, or it's time to climb away and try again.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used during approaches in low visibility or when the runway is not yet safely in sight.
Why Pilots Care
It is the last safe point to decide whether landing is possible; continuing past it without visual references requires flying the missed approach to avoid controlled flight into terrain.
Grounding Statement
At the MAP, the question is simple: can I safely continue to land, or must I fly the missed approach?
Intuition Check
MAP here does not mean a chart. It means a specific point in an instrument approach. Also, “missed” does not mean the pilot made a mistake; it means the landing attempt is being safely discontinued.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the Missed Approach Point without the runway in sight, the pilot initiated the published missed approach.
Example Sentence 2
The approach chart placed the missed approach point at the runway threshold for this procedure.