Missed approach and circling

The missed approach is a procedure

Starting a climb early does not authorise an early turn.

Three phases

The initial missed-approach phase extends from MAPt to the start of climb; the intermediate phase continues to the point where 50 m (164 ft) obstacle clearance is first achieved and maintained; the final phase continues to the point for a new approach, holding or return to en-route flight. The published procedure provides obstacle clearance within its assumptions.

MAPt may be defined by a navigation aid, fix, distance or timing as published, or by the relevant decision point in a precision procedure. If required visual reference is absent, initiate the missed approach at the required decision point. Never continue past it below the protected procedure merely because a runway symbol remains visible on the map.

Early initiation

If the missed approach is initiated before MAPt, normally continue laterally to MAPt before following the missed-approach route; maintain any applicable altitude constraints and do not turn early unless the procedure or ATC permits it. A climb may begin earlier when safe and allowed. Crossing MAPt above the minimum altitude is generally acceptable provided the published limitations and subsequent procedure can be met.

An early turn can leave the protected area before its obstacle-clearance assumptions are satisfied. ATC instructions and aircraft performance must be evaluated, but a missed-approach diagram is not a guarantee for a path the aircraft did not actually follow.

Circling is a visual manoeuvre with limits

Keep the runway environment in sight and stay within the protected category area.

Area, obstacles and minima

Circling extends an instrument approach into visual manoeuvring to a suitable landing runway. OCA/H is determined for each applicable aircraft category; higher-category speed and manoeuvring requirements produce larger areas and may increase minima. A prominent obstacle in the circling area affects the minimum unless an appropriately charted sector is excluded.

MDA/H is established using the applicable OCA/H and operating-minima requirements; it is not assumed lower than OCA/H. Descent below the circling MDA/H requires the required visual reference, a position to make a normal landing using normal manoeuvres and the other applicable conditions. Retain visual reference throughout the visual manoeuvre.

Loss of visual reference

There is no single circling path that fits every runway, wind, obstacle and aircraft. The pilot plans a manoeuvre within the protected area and speed limits. After initial visual contact, maintain the required visual reference and continue only while the landing can be safely completed.

If visual reference is lost while circling, follow the prescribed circling missed-approach procedure. This normally begins with a climbing turn toward the landing runway to establish on the missed approach track; the exact path depends on position and the published procedure. Do not automatically turn away from the aerodrome or descend to search for the runway.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.