Botching the Missed

As an instructor for GLASS Simulator Center in Sugar Grove, Ill., I see a lot of pilots execute missed-approaches. Theyre all instrument-rated and flying the sims for type-specific aircraft training. Most have considerable IFR experience.

Key Takeaways:

• A significant majority of instrument-rated pilots make critical, potentially fatal errors when executing missed approaches, often due to disorientation, lack of preparation, or misusing navigation, contributing to a high accident fatality rate.
• These failures stem from inadequate preparation (e.g., not thoroughly briefing procedures, improper navigation setup), insufficient anticipation (not expecting to go missed), and poor execution of the necessary steps.
• To ensure safety, pilots must thoroughly prepare (brief procedures, set up navigation, plan for contingencies), constantly anticipate the need for a missed approach, and master the five key execution steps (power-up, pitch-up, clean-up, navigate, communicate).
• Regular practice, particularly in flight simulators, is essential for maintaining proficiency in varied missed approach procedures, as real-world opportunities for practice are often limited.

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