Missed approach point

Emergency aircraft procedure

Missed approach point (MAP or MAPt) is the point prescribed in each instrument approach at which a missed approach procedure shall be executed if the required visual reference does not exist. Non precision approach. The MAP for a non precision approach is typically crossed at the minimum descent altitude (MDA), and may be anywhere from well before the runway threshold to past the opposite end of the runway, depending on terrain, obstructions, NAVAID location and air traffic considerations. Precision approach. The MAP on a precision approach is reached when the aircraft reaches the decision height prescribed for the approach while maintaining the glideslope. In both cases, the pilot in command must make a clear and unequivocal Yes/No decision upon arrival at the MAP point – either the runway (or its specified environment) is positively visible and accessible for landing using a safe and stabilized approach (i. e. no excessively steep bank or descent angles required), in which case the approach to landing may be continued, or else the approach must be discontinued and the published missed approach procedure must be initiated immediately.

A concept related to the missed approach point is the visual descent point (VDP). Determination of its location is done by the designers of the instrument approach procedure, but typically this is a point on the final approach course of a non precision approach, from which the aircraft would be able to continue its descent from the MDA to the runway threshold while maintaining a standard 3° descent angle while being assured obstacle clearance. The VDP is always located before reaching the MAP, and is a more useful checkpoint for making the decision whether to continue on the approach or to go around than the MAP itself. The following is the official FAA definition of VDP:"A defined point on the final approach course of a nonprecision straight in approach procedure from which normal descent from the MDA to the runway touchdown point may be commenced, provided the approach threshold of that runway, or approach lights, or other markings identifiable with the approach end of that runway are clearly visible to the pilot."