FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsEasy
A pilot is flying a nonprecision approach and arrives at the Missed Approach Point (MAP) without the required visual references to continue to landing. What is the pilot required to do?
- ADescend slightly below the MDA to improve chances of seeing the runway environment
- BCircle at the MDA over the airport area until a clearance to land is received
- CContinue level at the MDA past the MAP for up to one minute to look for the runway
- DBegin the published missed approach procedure immediately
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Begin the published missed approach procedure immediately
If the required visual references are not in sight at the MAP, the pilot must execute the missed approach procedure immediately; delaying or descending below the MDA without visual contact is not authorized.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Descending below MDA without the runway environment in sight is prohibited.
- B. Circling without clearance and without initiating the missed approach is not an authorized option.
- C. Loitering past the MAP without initiating the missed approach is not permitted.
Missed Approach at MAP
If required visual references are not visible at the Missed Approach Point, the pilot must immediately execute the published missed approach procedure.
- Governed by 14 CFR 91.175
- No descent below MDA/DA without visual contact
- Immediate action required, no loitering
Memory trick: No see, must flee (climb away immediately)