Definition
The procedure to be followed if an instrument approach cannot be continued to landing. It defines a specific route, climb, and altitude that the pilot must fly to reach a safe holding position from which a further approach attempt or diversion can be made.
Plain English
A pre-planned set of steps to fly when you can't safely complete a landing from an instrument approach. It tells you which way to turn, how high to climb, and where to go to wait or try again.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used during instrument training, approach briefings, and ATC instructions.
Derivation
Missed' here means 'not completed' — the approach was attempted but not finished to a landing. The bracketed [ICAO] tag indicates this is the international (ICAO) version of the term, used worldwide; the FAA uses a closely matching definition domestically.
Why Pilots Care
Following the published missed approach procedure maintains safe terrain clearance and air traffic separation when a landing cannot be made.
Grounding Statement
If the landing cannot safely happen, the pilot follows the published path that climbs the aircraft away from danger.
Intuition Check
“Missed” does not mean the pilot made a mistake. In this term, it means the landing was not completed and the aircraft must follow the planned safe path away from the approach.
Example Sentence 1
The crew did not see the runway environment at minimums, so they began the missed approach procedure as published on the chart.
Example Sentence 2
The crew initiated the missed approach procedure after spotting an obstruction on the runway and requested another approach from air traffic control.