Missing the Point

Few situations require quick judgment like deciding to go missed with weather at minimums. Arriving at missed approach point or decision altitude, the pilot must determine if the runway environment is in sight and the required flight visibility is evident. If these conditions are met, is the aircraft in a position to land and is the runway condition suitable? All of this must be accomplished while flying through a sea of obstructions at about 150…

Key Takeaways:

• Missed approaches are critical decisions at Decision Altitude (DA) or Missed Approach Point (MAP), designed to safely transition aircraft from approach minimums to en route margins using a minimum 40:1 obstacle climb gradient (200 ft/nm).
• Executing a missed approach incorrectly by initiating the climb past the MAP, below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA)/DA, or turning prematurely, can place the aircraft below safe obstacle clearance, posing significant safety risks.
• Obstacles on the missed approach path can necessitate higher DA/MDA minimums; pilots must understand these variations and any increased climb rate requirements for alternative approaches to ensure terrain clearance.

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