What is a missed approach and under what conditions is it invoked?

• A. A missed approach is a hold for weather avoidance while maintaining descent.
• B. A missed approach is a go-around when landing cannot be completed safely due to instability, weather, or runway conditions.
• C. Missed approach is a plan to circle at high altitude.
• D. Missed approach means aborting takeoff due to engine fault.

Answer: (B)

A missed approach is a go-around performed when a safe landing cannot be completed. It’s invoked when continuing the approach would be unsafe due to factors such as approach instability, deteriorating weather, or unsafe runway conditions (for example not having the runway in sight at minimums, poor braking action, or a contaminated surface). When you execute a missed approach, you immediately climb to a safe altitude, configure the aircraft for the climb, and follow the published missed-approach procedure, which typically leads to a holding pattern or another approach clearance. It’s not simply a weather-avoidance hold or a planned high-altitude circle, and it’s not the same as aborting takeoff due to an engine fault.