Definition
A missed approach procedure in which the initial segment requires the pilot to fly straight ahead on the final approach course (or a specified heading close to it) while climbing to a designated altitude, before any turn is made toward the holding fix or other navigation point.
Plain English
When you go around from an instrument approach, the first thing you do is keep flying straight ahead and climb. You don't turn until you've reached the altitude or point the procedure tells you to turn at.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in missed approach briefings, especially when reviewing what to do if the landing cannot be completed.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a predictable path for obstacle clearance and air traffic control sequencing when no turn is specified in the procedure.
Intuition Check
Straight does not mean “keep going forever on runway heading.” It means the missed approach begins without an immediate turn, but the pilot must still follow the published climb, course, fix, and holding instructions.
Example Sentence 1
The chart shows a straight missed approach: climb runway heading to 2,000 feet before turning right to the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
On the ILS runway 27, the missed approach is straight, requiring no heading change until reaching the missed approach point altitude.