AIM 

4/20/23 

approach instructions are not published on the chart. However, the alternate missed approach holding pattern will 

be depicted on the instrument approach chart for pilot situational awareness and to assist ATC by not having to 

issue detailed holding instructions. The alternate missed approach may be based on NAVAIDs not used in the 

approach procedure or the primary missed approach. When the alternate missed approach procedure is 

implemented by NOTAM, it becomes a mandatory part of the procedure. The NOTAM will specify both the 

textual instructions and any additional equipment requirements necessary to complete the procedure. Air traffic 

may also issue instructions for the alternate missed approach when necessary, such as when the primary missed 

approach NAVAID fails during the approach. Pilots may reject an ATC clearance for an alternate missed 

approach that requires equipment not necessary for the published approach procedure when the alternate missed 

approach is issued after beginning the approach. However, when the alternate missed approach is issued prior 

to beginning the approach the pilot must either accept the entire procedure (including the alternate missed 

approach), request a different approach procedure, or coordinate with ATC for alternative action to be taken, i.e., 

proceed to an alternate airport, etc. 

f. 

When approach has been missed, request clearance for specific action; i.e., to alternative airport, another 

approach, etc. 

g. 

Pilots must ensure that they have climbed to a safe altitude prior to proceeding off the published missed 

approach, especially in nonradar environments. Abandoning the missed approach prior to reaching the published 

altitude may not provide adequate terrain clearance. Additional climb may be required after reaching the holding 

pattern before proceeding back to the IAF or to an alternate. 

h. 

A clearance for an instrument approach procedure includes a clearance to fly the published missed 

approach procedure, unless otherwise instructed by ATC. The published missed approach procedure provides 

obstacle clearance only when the missed approach is conducted on the missed approach segment from or above 

the missed approach point, and assumes a climb rate of 200 feet/NM or higher, as published. If the aircraft 

initiates a missed approach at a point other than the missed approach point (see paragraph 5

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4

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5b), from below 

MDA or DA (H), or on a circling approach, obstacle clearance is not necessarily provided by following the 

published missed approach procedure, nor is separation assured from other air traffic in the vicinity. 

FIG 5

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4

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30 

Circling and Missed Approach Obstruction Clearance Areas 

X 

X 

CLIMBING TURN 

CLIMBING TURN 

DECISION TO MISS 

HERE 

DECISION 

TO MISS HERE 

VOR 

VOR 

CIRCLING 

MANEUVER 

(WHEN 

CLEARED IN 

RIGHT HAND 

TRAFFIC 

PATTERN) 

Arrival Procedures

5

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4

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60