Definition
An ATC clearance phrase used with a Point-in-Space (PinS) instrument approach procedure that authorizes the pilot, upon reaching the named Missed Approach Point (MAP), to either continue the flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from that point or, if unable to continue VFR, to fly the published missed approach procedure. The clearance is issued only when the pilot has reported, or can confirm, that weather and visibility at the MAP support continued VFR flight to the intended landing site (typically a heliport).
Plain English
When you get to the missed approach point, you have a choice: if you can see well enough to fly the rest of the way using your eyes (VFR), do that. If you can't, fly the published missed approach instead.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter Point-in-Space approach charts where the instrument portion ends and the pilot must decide whether the rest of the flight can be made visually.
Derivation
“Proceed” comes from older roots meaning “go forward.” In this instruction, that matters because the pilot may go forward from the named point only if the VFR conditions are actually met. “Missed approach” means the approach is not continued to landing; it does not mean the pilot made a mistake.
Why Pilots Care
Gives the pilot a clear, safe choice at the MAP instead of continuing into unsuitable conditions or starting an unnecessary missed approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture arriving at the named point and still not having enough outside view to fly the rest visually: that is when you use the missed approach instead of continuing.
Intuition Check
MAP does not mean a paper or electronic map here; it means missed approach point. “Proceed VFR” does not mean “keep going if you can see anything”; it means continue only if you can legally and safely fly by looking outside from that point.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the MAP, the controller issued, "Proceed VFR from MAPLE or conduct the specified missed approach," and the pilot reported the heliport in sight and continued visually.
Example Sentence 2
Weather at the MAP was below minimums, so the pilot conducted the specified missed approach as the chart directed.