Definition
A published set of instructions a pilot must follow when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a landing. It specifies a climb, a track or heading, and a holding fix or other safe maneuvering point, designed to keep the aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles while transitioning from approach to climb-out.
Plain English
If you can't land from the approach, this is the pre-planned route that tells you how to climb away safely and where to go next.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used during instrument flying when the runway is not in sight, the aircraft is not in a safe position to land, or a controller tells the pilot to stop the approach.
Derivation
"Missed" here means the approach was not completed — the landing was missed, not that the pilot did anything wrong. "Approach" is the descent toward the runway. So a missed approach procedure is simply the published plan for what to do when an approach doesn't end in a landing.
Why Pilots Care
Executing the published procedure keeps the aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles while maintaining separation from other traffic.
Intuition Check
A “missed approach” does not necessarily mean the pilot made a mistake. It means the landing cannot or should not be completed, so the pilot follows the published plan to climb away safely.
Example Sentence 1
Reaching minimums without seeing the runway, the pilot began the missed approach procedure: climbing straight ahead to 2,000 feet, then a left turn direct to the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
The crew reviewed the missed approach procedure before starting the ILS approach in case visibility fell below minimums.