Instrument rating · ACS IR.VI.C
Missed Approach
A missed approach takes you from minimums back to a safe altitude on a known route. It’s planned before the approach starts.
Why this one matters
The missed approach is the most important maneuver in instrument flying, and the most likely moment to lose control: full power, a pitch change, configuration changes and a turn, close to the ground in clouds, often when tired. Pilots who brief it ahead and fly it by rote survive the day the weather is worse than forecast.
Can’t miss
- •DA, MDA and MAP are different. On a DA approach the DA is the missed point. On an MDA approach you may level at the MDA until the MAP. Below either, continue only with all three 91.175(c) conditions; lose any of them below the DA or MDA (91.175(e)) and go missed immediately, without continuing to the MAP. Go missed too when unstable, or any time it isn’t safe.(14 CFR 91.175(c), (e))
- •Power and pitch together: power as the POH says (usually full) as you pitch to the climb attitude; positive rate; flaps up in stages at a safe speed and altitude, gear per the POH; accelerate to climb speed within ±10 knots; then the checklist.(Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B); Your airplane's POH/AFM)
- •Fly the published missed approach (or the one ATC assigned) and tell ATC you’re going missed.(AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures))
- •Going missed before the MAP: fly to the MAP on the approach course before starting the turns, unless ATC says otherwise; you may climb right away.(AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures))
- •Losing visual reference while circling: an initial climbing turn toward the landing runway, continued until established on the missed course; never straight toward the missed fix or away from the runway. Brief this escape before you circle.(AIM 5-4-21)
- •Fly the published missed (or ATC's), report it when able, then request a specific clearance (another approach, a hold, or the alternate) based on fuel, weather and the airplane.(AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures); Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C), IR.VI.C)
- •Checkride standard: airspeed ±10 knots, heading/course ±10°, altitudes ±100 feet in the missed approach.(Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C), IR.VI.C.S7)
What you should know
The procedure K1 · R1
- Brief the missed approach before the approach: the initial climb, the turn, the altitude and the holding fix. The chart’s profile view icons summarize it.(Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B), Approaches)
- If going missed early, fly the approach course to the MAP before turning, unless ATC instructs otherwise; climb immediately.(AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures))
- The missed approach assumes at least 200 feet per nm of climb; a higher charted gradient must be met, so plan it before the approach. Obstacle protection assumes you start the missed at the DA or MAP at or above the MDA; it isn't assured if you start it below the MDA or from a circling maneuver.(Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B), Approaches; AIM 5-4-21)
- ATC may give an alternate missed approach; fly what you’re cleared for, and say "unable" if you can’t meet a climb gradient or restriction.(AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures))
- With a navigator and autopilot, verify rather than press and hope: the missed approach leg is active (not suspended or in OBS), the annunciations match what you expect, and the MFD shows the right path. Any mismatch: disconnect and hand-fly.(Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A); AIM, Chapter 1 (navigation aids, GPS and WAAS))
Flying it R3 · R5
- Power and pitch together, positive rate, then flaps in stages and gear per the POH. Trim for the climb; then the checklist, before the radios and navigation.(Your airplane's POH/AFM)
- Pitch-up with full power and flaps can be strong; hold the attitude and trim. Watch the airspeed.(Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B))
Why and what next R2 · R4
- Go missed early for an unstable approach, a navaid failure, an integrity alert, traffic on the runway, or a lost visual reference.(AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures))
- Then request a clearance: try again if the weather and fuel allow, hold for improving weather, or divert to the alternate. Don’t make a third try out of hope.(Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A))
On the flight
ACS standards
- Maintain the recommended airspeed ±10 knots; heading, course or bearing ±10°; and altitudes ±100 feet in the missed approach.(Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C), IR.VI.C.S7)
- Configure per the manufacturer, establish a positive rate of climb, and accelerate to the appropriate airspeed ±10 knots.(Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C), IR.VI.C.S3)
What your instructor is watching for
Your instructor watches for a prompt decision, power before pitch, clean-up only after a positive rate, the correct published track, and a clear call to ATC.
Scenarios
Decide what you would do first, then see the worked answer.
Circling to land, you lose sight of the runway.
What do you do? See the worked answer
Start a climbing turn toward the landing runway, then join the missed approach course.
AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures)
Two miles from the MAP the localizer flags.
What do you do? See the worked answer
Start the missed at once: climb, holding the course or heading at or above the minimum altitude toward the MAP before any turn unless ATC directs otherwise; tell ATC, and report the malfunction under 91.187.
AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures); 14 CFR 91.187
ATC: "Fly runway heading, climb and maintain 3,000" instead of the published missed.
What do you fly? See the worked answer
ATC’s instructions. Read them back.
AIM, Chapter 5, Section 4 (arrival and approach procedures)
Common mistakes
Late decision.
Below minimums without references.
Instead: Decide at the DA or MAP.
Turning too early.
Outside obstacle protection.
Instead: Fly to the MAP first unless told otherwise.
Retracting all the flaps at once, or before a positive rate.
The airplane can sink.
Instead: Positive rate, then flaps in stages at a safe speed.
Now train it
Say it out loud, hear it asked, and take the quick check in this lesson’s practice pack. It tracks your shaky spots.
Got it?
When it feels solid, practice missed approach out loud with our examiner.
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Go to the source (free)
Teaching this? The instructor lesson plan →
Sources
- Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B): Approaches
- Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B): Navigation systems; IFR flight
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM): Chapters 1, 2 and 5
- 14 CFR: 91.175, 97.3
- Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C): Area VI
- Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP): the current chart for each approach
Study aid, not FAA guidance. Regulations change; check the current text at eCFR and the ACS. Checked against current sources 2026-11-13.