FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCEasy
An aircraft on an instrument approach reaches the Missed Approach Point (MAP) without the required visual references to land. What is the pilot required to do?
- AContact ATC and request a new approach clearance before taking any action
- BDescend below MDA briefly to attempt a visual scan for the runway
- CCircle at the MDA until visual contact is established or fuel becomes critical
- DImmediately execute the published missed approach procedure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Immediately execute the published missed approach procedure
If the required visual references are not in sight at the Missed Approach Point, the pilot must immediately execute the published missed approach procedure, which typically involves a climb and specific routing to a holding fix or another point for subsequent action.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The missed approach should be flown immediately; ATC contact follows per the procedure or as workload permits.
- B. Descending below MDA without visual references violates approach minimums.
- C. Circling and delaying action beyond the MAP is not authorized without visual contact.
Missed Approach Procedure
A published procedure that must be flown immediately if visual references are not established by the Missed Approach Point (MAP) or Decision Altitude (DA).
- Must be executed immediately at MAP/DA if visual references not met
- Procedure includes a climb and specified routing, often to a holding fix
- Published on the approach chart, tailored to obstacles and traffic flow
- ATC should be notified but action begins immediately, not after ATC contact
Memory trick: 'No sight, full flight' — no runway in sight means fly the miss immediately