Definition
A maneuver flown by a pilot when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a landing. It follows a published procedure that specifies a climb, a heading or track, and a point or altitude at which to hold or receive further clearance. The missed approach begins at the missed approach point (MAP) or, on a precision approach, upon reaching decision altitude or decision height without the required visual references, or any time a safe landing is not assured.
Plain English
The planned go-around for an instrument approach. If the pilot reaches the point where they must see the runway and they cannot, or the landing is not safe for any reason, they fly the published escape route — climb, turn, and head to a holding point.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used in instrument training, checkrides, and air traffic control communication when an approach does not end in a landing.
Derivation
‘Missed’ here means failed to complete, not lost. The approach was attempted but the conditions for landing were not met, so the pilot flies the published recovery procedure instead.
Why Pilots Care
Following the missed approach procedure prevents runway incursions or controlled flight into terrain when landing conditions are unsuitable and provides a safe, predictable path back into the traffic pattern or to an alternate.
Grounding Statement
In low clouds or poor visibility, the missed approach is the planned escape route that tells the pilot how to climb away safely.
Intuition Check
A missed approach does not mean the pilot made a mistake. It means the approach will not be completed to a landing, so the pilot flies the specified climb-out procedure.
Example Sentence 1
Reaching decision altitude in heavy rain with no runway in sight, the pilot called "going missed" and began the published missed approach.
Example Sentence 2
After the missed approach the controller vectored the aircraft to the holding fix to await improved weather before the next approach attempt.