Understanding FAR 91.175 Missed Approaches
Understanding FAR 91.175 Missed Approaches
Introduction
Reading a missed approach procedure is a critical step toward briefing and flying
a complete instrument approach to an airport. The missed approach point is the
position where the pilot must immediately climb away from the airport if the
landing criteria of FAR 91.175(c) are not met. There are two challenges involved
in reading the missed approach point:
a. Location
Where is the missed approach point? The profile view depicts the missed
approach point as the beginning of a dashed line, as shown above. It is
generally located between the final approach fix and the airport.
However, only one missed approach point is depicted, and each procedure
may have two or three different missed approach points. Common
locations for a missed approach point include the runway threshold, the
primary NAVAID for the approach, and the intersection of the glide slope
with the decision altitude.
b. Identification
How does the pilot know when the aircraft has reached the missed
approach point? The pilot must understand the aircraft position relative to
the missed approach point while flying each instrument approach
procedure. Because each procedure has a unique configuration, the
indications and techniques used to identify the missed approach point may
be unique as well. Common identifiers for a missed approach point
include a named waypoint, a DME fix, and a time and speed table.
This study guide contains several scenarios that illustrate the most common types
of instrument approach configurations. These can be used as examples for
learning to read and identify the location of a missed approach point.
On an ILS, the missed approach point is that point at which the glide slope
intersects the Decision Altitude (DA).
In this example, the climb to 1,100 ft is initiated upon reaching 895 ft and
deciding to go missed.
In case of an early missed approach, the pilot would rely on DME or RADAR to
approximate crossing the missed approach point before making the left turn.
On the example LOC, the missed approach point can be identified only by flying
a timed leg using a clock. The climb to 3,000 ft is initiated when the final
approach time expires, and the right turn can be made at or beyond that point. In
general, it is “inadvisable or impossible” to execute a normal landing from the
missed approach point of a non-precision approach procedure. The missed
approach point is the same for straight-in and circling approaches.
The profile for a LOC approach is essentially identical to VOR and NDB
approaches. VOR and LOC approaches are relatively rare without DME, but they
help to explain the following procedures that are more complex. NDB
approaches usually do not have DME service.
A runway fix is sometimes depicted at the missed approach point, as in the KDET
NDB RWY 15. This might serve as a quasi-DME for GPS equipped pilots.
On the example LOC, the missed approach point is 1.5 DME from the IMT
VOR/DME. The climb to 3,100 ft is initiated at or before 1.5 DME, and the left
turn can be made at or beyond 1.5 DME. In general, it is “inadvisable or
impossible” to execute a normal landing from the missed approach point of a non-
precision approach procedure (the descent angle from 1.5 DME in this example
would be 5.6 degrees). The missed approach point is the same for straight-in and
circling approaches.
To use DME in identifying the missed approach point, the DME number must be
published in the procedure, which is not always the case.
Not pictured in the excerpt above is the airport sketch from this procedure which
states, “5.3 NM from FAF.” According to an FAA document (Control # 12-02-
257) this is called the Airport Sketch Final Approach Course. It can be depicted
six different ways and may or may not represent the location of a missed approach
point. It is therefore incorrect, when briefing any procedure, to use the arrow in
the airport sketch to identify the missed approach point.
On an ILS, the missed approach point is that point at which the glide slope
intersects the Decision Altitude (DA). This is depicted by “the beginning of the
dotted missed approach course line” in profile view.
On the example LOC, the missed approach point is 1.1 DME from the APN
VORTAC. The climb to 1,100 ft is initiated at or before 1.1 DME, and the left
turn can be made at or beyond 1.1 DME. In general, it is “inadvisable or
impossible” to execute a normal landing from the missed approach point of a non-
precision approach procedure. If not equipped with DME or a GPS substitute, the
missed approach point can be identified by flying a timed leg using a clock. The
missed approach point is the same for straight-in and circling approaches, but is
different from the ILS. The missed approach course for straight-in LOC or
circling is not depicted in profile view.
A common mistake when briefing this type of procedure is to state that the missed
approach point is 6.3 NM from the final approach fix, which is depicted four
different ways in the profile view and airport sketch. The correct way to identify
the missed approach point is by using 1.1 DME, which is 6.2 DME beyond the
final approach fix. Notice they are not the same numbers.
This type of approach is named LDA if not aligned within 3° of the runway
centerline. The lines of minima are named LDA/GS instead of S-ILS, and LDA
instead of S-LOC. The profile is essentially identical, but LDA/GS is considered
an APV type rather than a precision type.
On an ILS, the missed approach point is that point at which the glide slope
intersects the Decision Altitude (DA). This is depicted by “the beginning of the
dotted missed approach course line” in profile view.
In case of an early missed approach, no turns are allowed prior to reaching the
CARGL NDB.
On the example LOC, the missed approach point can be identified only by flying
a timed leg using a clock. The missed approach point is the same for straight-in
and circling approaches, but is different from the ILS. The missed approach
course for straight-in LOC or circling is not depicted in profile view.
On the example VOR, the missed approach point can be identified only by flying
a timed leg using a clock. The climb to 3,000 ft is initiated when the final
approach time expires. In general, it is “inadvisable or impossible” to execute a
normal landing from the missed approach point of a non-precision approach
procedure. The missed approach point is the same for straight-in and circling
approaches.
A common mistake when briefing this type of procedure is to state that the missed
approach point is 3.8 NM from the final approach fix, or 12.3 DME. The correct
way to identify the missed approach point is by using the times depicted below
the profile view. Notice the missed approach point DME is not depicted. In this
example, DME is used only to identify the top of descent fix and the final
approach fix.
The example procedure KACB VOR RWY 2 was deleted on 8 January 2015.
On the example VOR, the missed approach point is identified when the VOR
direction flag changes to the FROM indication. The climb to 2,800 ft is initiated
at or before the VOR, and the right turn can be made at or beyond the VOR.
Similarly, on an NDB approach, the ADF needle would indicate passing the
NDB.
On an LNAV, the missed approach point is the last waypoint depicted in the
profile view (RW10).
In case of an early missed approach, no turns are allowed prior to reaching the
FIKAM waypoint.
On an LPV or LNAV/VNAV, the missed approach point is that point at which the
glide slope intersects the Decision Altitude (DA). In this example, there are two
different DAs. The missed approach point for the “top-line” minima only is
depicted by “the beginning of the dotted missed approach course line.” The
missed approach course for LNAV/VNAV is not depicted in profile view.
On an LNAV, the missed approach point is the last waypoint depicted in the
profile view (RW05). In this example, it is difficult to distinguish between the
missed approach point and the visual descent point (VDP). A pilot would initiate
the climb to 3,000 ft between the VDP and RW05. Since no turns are allowed
and by definition it is impossible to make a normal landing beyond the VDP,
there is no reason to wait for RW05.
The missed approach point is the same for LNAV and circling approaches, but is
different from the LPV and LNAV/VNAV. In other words, the example
procedure has three different missed approach points. The missed approach
course for LNAV is not depicted in profile view.
The attached photo of a GNS 430 receiver shows that the I-ORK facility can be
identified by name when manually entered as IORK. The small blue square
symbol next to the cursor indicates this is a DME facility. Note the DME antenna
is located beyond and offset from the final approach path for this procedure. GNS
430 is capable of displaying the distance to this facility, but it will not load the
1 DME fix via the procedures menu for non-overlay approach information. As
described in AIM 1-1-18(n)(11), “a DME fix will not be in the waypoint sequence
on the GPS receiver unless there is a published name assigned to it.”
During the approach, ATC uses this phrase to identify the point:
On a PAR procedure, the missed approach point is the intersection of the PAR
glide path and a published decision altitude. The terms Decision Altitude (DA)
and Decision Height (DH) have the same meaning in this case, and both are MSL
altitudes. RADAR identification of the missed approach point is provided using
the following phrase:
Can you fly this ILS profile? Are you sure? Take a close look at it. What do all
those symbols mean? If the glideslope is out of service, how will you identify the
missed approach point? Maybe you are equipped for this, but maybe not!
This study guide does not describe all real world situations. There are exotic
procedures involving mountainous terrain, restricted airspace, Cat II & III, SDF,
IGS, RNP, PRM, and many others. It is always the pilot’s responsibility to
understand the procedure before attempting it.
I
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202
LOCALIZER 108.75
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202 1.8 NM 2.8 NM
CATEGORY A B C D
REIL Rwys 16 and 34 L
S-34 720-1 598 (600-1) NA
MIRL Rwy 16-34 L
CIRCLING 720-1 594 (600-1) NA
FAF to MAP 4.6 NM SIPLE FIX MINIMUMS (DUAL VOR RECEIVERS REQUIRED)
Knots 60 90 120 150 180 S-34 460-1 338 (400-1) NA
Min:Sec 4:36 3:04 2:18 1:50 1:32 CIRCLING 580-1 454 (500-1) NA
EMPORIA, VIRGINIA
EMPORIA-GREENSVILLE RGNL(EMV)
Amdt 1A 03APR14
3641’N - 7729’W
LOC RWY 34
IRON MOUNTAIN/KINGSFORD, MICHIGAN AL-5347 (FAA) 14093
3400 to IZLAR
100 (4.9)
010
and LOC (4.2)
(IAF)
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EC-1, 03 APR 2014 to 01 MAY 2014
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8% UP
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Turn NA
2.99
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Disregard glide
TCH 45 A5
slope indications.
1192 1179
0.8 4.5 NM 5 NM
1
CATEGORY A B C D
1 1
1660-14 1660-1 2
S-19 1660-1 478 (500-1)
478 (500-114 ) 478 (500-112 ) MIRL Rwy 13-31 L
R3
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CATEGORY A B C D
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1
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2 577 (600- 2 ) 1260-114 1
577 (600-14 )
743
5
007 6.3 NM
1260-1 8 1260-2
1 CIRCLING 1260-1 570 (600-1) 5
from FAF 570 (600-1 8 ) 570 (600-2)
ALPENA, MICHIGAN
ALPENA COUNTY RGNL (APN)
4505’N-8334’W
Amdt 9 05MAY11
ILS or LOC RWY 1
DETROIT, MICHIGAN AL-118 (FAA) 14317
T Circling to Rwy 7 NA at night. When VGSI inop, Circling Rwy 25 NA at night. When
VGSI inop, Straight-In/Circling Rwy 15 procedure NA at night. Visibility reduction by MISSED APPROACH: Climb to 3000
A helicopters NA. When local altimeter setting not received, use Detroit Metropolitan direct CARGL NDB/YQG 8.5 DME
Wayne County altimeter setting and increase all DA 48 feet and all MDA 60 feet; and hold, continue climb-in-hold.
1
increase S-LOC 15 Cat C/D and Circling Cat C visibility 4 mile.
14
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EC-1, 11 DEC 2014 to 08 JAN 2015
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN
COLEMAN A. YOUNG MUNI(DET)
Amdt 10A 16OCT14
4225’N-8301’W
ILS or LOC RWY 15
DETROIT, MICHIGAN AL-118 (FAA) 14317
VOR/DME YQG 5090
Rwy Idg
113.8
APP CRS
TDZE 626 VOR RWY 33
326
Chan 85 Apt Elev 626 COLEMAN A. YOUNG MUNI(DET)
Visibility reduction by helicopters NA. When local altimeter setting not received, MISSED APPROACH: Climb to 3000 via
T
use Detroit Metro Wayne County altimeter setting and increase all MDA 60 feet YQG VOR/DME R-326 to DELOW INT
A 1 and hold, continue climb-in-hold to 3000.
and increase Cat C and D visibility 4 mile.
YQG 25N
SA M
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32
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7
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
COLEMAN A. YOUNG MUNI(DET)
Amdt 28 12MAR09
4225’N-8301’W
VOR RWY 33
ALPENA, MICHIGAN AL-718 (FAA)
14037
VORTAC APN Rwy Idg9001
108.8
APP CRS
TDZE 685 VOR RWY 1
014
Chan25 Apt Elev 689 ALPENA COUNTY RGNL (APN)
MALSR
T MISSED APPROACH: Climbing right turn to
A5 2800 in APN VORTAC holding pattern.
1140
IAF
ALPENA
108.8 APN
Chan 25
EC-1, 06 FEB 2014 to 06 MAR 2014
194
907
N2
014
AP 5N
SA M
180
M
3500
14
9
32
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9
2600
194
R-
731
25
P
TWR
Remain APN VORTAC 2800 APN 10
0
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within 10 NM 28
50
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94
7
2600 755
014
P
A5
743
1
CATEGORY A B C D
1
3 595 (600-3 )
1280-1 1280-14
S-1 1280- 4 4
595 (600-1) 595 (600-114 )
014 to
1
1280-1 1280-2
2 VORTAC
CIRCLING 1280-1 591 (600-1) 1
591 (600-1 2 ) 591 (600-2)
ALPENA, MICHIGAN
ALPENA COUNTY RGNL (APN)
4505’N - 8334’W
Amdt 14C 06MAY10
VOR RWY 1
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN AL-6096 (FAA)
12040
WAAS 4005 Rwy Idg
CH 50224
APP CRS
THRE 639 RNAV (GPS) RWY 10
097 Apt Elev 640 CHEBOYGAN COUNTY (SLH)
W10A
When local altimeter setting not received, use Pellston altimeter setting and
T 1
increase all MDA 60 feet, increase LP and LNAV Cat C visibility 8 mile. MISSED APPROACH: Climb to
A When VGSI inop, Straight-in/Circling Rwy 10 procedure NA at night. 2600 direct FIKAM and hold.
DME/DME RNP-0.3 NA. Visibility reduction by helicopters NA.
PINES
21 0
0
7)
26
8
.
25
(
EC-1, 14 NOV 2013 to 12 DEC 2013
1473 FELNO
(IF/IAF) (FAF) 2.9 NM to 4 NM
JATRA 2 CATAP 1200 RW10 097
400
102 RW10 743
102 1290
277
(
6 260
) 0
282 29 097 839 789
FIKAM
6
4 NM (
6)
PELLSTON 1140
PLN
W1025N
R
SA M
M
Procedure NA for arrivals
3000
on PLN VORTAC airway
radials 219 CW 023.
ELEV 640 THRE 639
4005 X 75 0.3% UP
28
10
09
187
2400 7
X7
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN
CHEBOYGAN COUNTY (SLH)
Amdt 3 25AUG11
4539’N-8431W
RNAV (GPS) RWY 10
ADRIAN, MICHIGAN AL-5555 (FAA)
EZHAF
CRUXX
00
1207
)
7
30
15
20
(
1008 1033
EC-1, 06 FEB 2014 to 06 MAR 2014
3
5 3
T
0 3
P 2 ELEV 798 TDZE 798
No
(IAF) 00
30 69
PIONS 0
)
11
( 4 NM
181
4 NM glidepath not coincident 0X
29
15
3
0
2
*
1.7 NM LNAV only.
233 *
3000 to RW05
053 053
1.2 NM
0
to RW05 1
0
X
1
RW05 0
* 0
5
GS 3.00 053 to
2400 1380
TCH 47 RW05
P
CATEGORY A B C D
5
3 3
LPV DA 1048- 4 250 (300- 4 )
LNAV/ DA 1 1
1119-1 4 321 (400-1 4 )
VNAV 849
1 1
LNAV MDA 1200-1402 (500-1) 1200-14 402 (500-14 )
T Use Bill and Hillary Clinton National/Adams Field altimeter setting, if not
MISSED APPROACH: Climb to 1700 then
received use Searcy altimeter setting and increase all MDAs 60 feet.
A NA climbing left turn to 4000 on LIT VORTAC
Circling NA for Cat C north of Rwy 5-23 when R-2403B active. Visibility
R-352 to OCAPU/25 DME and hold.
reduction by helicopters NA.
RADAR REQUIRED
172
R-2403A
352
OCAPU
R-2403B LIT 25
113.
Chan 86
R-
352
9 LI
T
586
2220
730 635
AWHOG
R-
SC-1, 01 MAY 2014 to 29 MAY 2014
I-ORK 6.1
352
I-ORK
I
O
R
K
LOCALIZER 111.9
( Chan 56
093
(
9.4)
R-
273
3
23
M
SA
I
LT25N
M
LITTLE ROCK
113.9 LIT
Chan 86
L
I
T
3300
17
LIT
3019 X 75
R-352 UP
P
HULKO 5%
0.
I-ORK 13.4
AWHOG 570
I-ORK 6.1
2500 75
X
02
053 I-ORK
P
50
35
1
P
2200
5
3.00
053 5.1 NM
TCH 40
from FAF
7.3 NM 5.1 NM
CATEGORY A B C D
1
980-14
S-LOC 5 980-1 439 (500-1) NA
1
439 (500-14 )
1
1040-1 REIL Rwys 5, 17, and 23 L
2
CIRCLING 1040-1 495 (500-1) NA L
1
495 (500-1 MIRL Rwys 5-23 and 17-35
2 )