Definition
A missed approach procedure that requires the pilot to begin a turn either immediately upon initiating the missed approach or after reaching a specified point or altitude, rather than continuing straight ahead. The published procedure specifies the climb, the turning point, the direction of turn, and the heading or course to fly to the missed approach holding fix.
Plain English
A go-around path that includes a turn. Instead of just climbing straight ahead after a missed approach, the chart tells you to climb and then turn in a specific direction to reach a safe holding point.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts in the missed approach instructions, especially when the safe path away from the runway is not straight ahead.
Why Pilots Care
Following the published turn ensures obstacle clearance and keeps the aircraft within protected airspace during the go-around.
Grounding Statement
Picture reaching the end of an instrument approach, not having the runway in sight, adding power, climbing, and then making the published turn only where the chart says to make it.
Intuition Check
Do not read “turning” as “turn whenever you decide to go missed.” In this term, the turn is part of a published escape path and must be made at the point, altitude, or distance specified by the procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate showed a turning missed approach, so the pilot briefed climbing straight ahead to 1,500 feet before turning right to intercept the course to the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
Because the approach plate called for a turning missed approach, the crew turned to the published heading while climbing.