Definition
The portion of an instrument approach procedure that begins at the missed approach point (MAP) and ends at a designated point, typically a holding fix. It defines the route, altitudes, and maneuvers a pilot must follow when an approach cannot be completed to a landing.
Plain English
The published flight path you follow if you can't land from the instrument approach. It tells you exactly where to go, how high to climb, and where to end up so you stay clear of terrain and obstacles.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used when briefing what to do if the landing cannot continue.
Derivation
“Missed” comes from the idea of not reaching or completing the intended result. “Approach” means the path toward landing. “Segment” comes from a Latin word meaning “a cut-off piece,” which fits here because this is one defined piece of the full approach procedure.
Why Pilots Care
Gives every pilot a known, obstacle-cleared route to follow during a go-around, preventing terrain or traffic conflicts in low visibility.
Grounding Statement
If you reach the decision point and cannot land, the Missed Approach Segment is the published route you follow next.
Intuition Check
Do not read “missed” as a mistake. A missed approach is a normal, planned procedure used when continuing to land is not safe or permitted.
Example Sentence 1
When the runway environment wasn't visible at decision altitude, the pilot flew the missed approach segment as published.
Example Sentence 2
The approach plate shows the missed approach segment climbs to 2,000 feet then proceeds to the holding fix.