Definition
The missed approach point is the specific point during an instrument approach at which, if the required visual references for the runway are not in sight or a safe landing cannot be made, the pilot must discontinue the approach and execute the published missed approach procedure. Its location is defined on the approach chart and is identified by a fix, a distance from a navigation aid, a timed interval from the final approach fix, or a GPS waypoint, depending on the type of approach.
Plain English
It is the last point on an instrument approach where the pilot has to decide: land or go around. If the runway environment isn't clearly in sight by this point, the approach is abandoned and the published go-around procedure is flown.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used during approach briefings, usually when planning what to do if the runway or required lights are not visible in time.
Why Pilots Care
It marks the precise moment a pilot must commit to either landing or going around, protecting against continued flight into unsuitable conditions.
Intuition Check
A missed approach point is not the place where the pilot realizes they made a mistake. It is a published point planned in advance for starting the missed approach if landing cannot safely continue.
Example Sentence 1
At the missed approach point the runway was still hidden in fog, so the pilot began the published missed approach.
Example Sentence 2
The approach plate showed the MAPT aligned with the runway threshold for the ILS procedure.