Surviving The Missed

As a student of NTSB reports and an active instrument flight instructor, I have come to the conclusion we do not stress preparedness for the missed approach procedure enough, either in initial instrument training or in instrument proficiency checks. In addition to collisions with obstacles because of an improperly flown missed, the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee, an FAA/industry working group charged with identifying and mitigating the causes of fatal general aviation accidents, has identified loss of control during a missed approach as one of its focus scenarios. This suggests that—even when the pilot attempts to fly the missed approach procedure properly—the workload of doing so may be greater than the pilot is prepared to handle. So how can we make certain we are properly briefed for the missed approach, so we know how to fly it correctly? What can we do to reduce pilot workload while flying the missed?

Key Takeaways:

• Many pilots are unprepared for missed approaches, leading to high workload and risks like loss of control or collisions; thorough pre-flight briefing of the missed approach procedure is crucial to avoid surprises.
• Reduce in-flight workload by knowing the initial climb by heart and trimming the aircraft for climb speed during the approach, allowing for a smooth transition from descent to climb.
• Strictly follow the "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" priority during a missed approach, first establishing a positive climb, then navigating the procedure, and only then communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
• Frequent and varied practice of missed approaches, both actual and simulated, is essential to build proficiency and make the maneuver natural, thereby improving safety.

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