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Aviation glossary

Missed Approach Point

What is missed approach point?

Illustration related to missed approach point
Image: Federal Aviation Administration — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The missed approach point (MAP) is the specific point on an instrument approach where you must begin the missed approach procedure if you have not established the required visual reference to land. It is the last point at which you can continue the approach — past it, you must climb out and try again or proceed to your alternate. Think of it as the "go/no-go" decision spot: see the runway environment and land, or don't see it and go missed.

Also known as: MAP, missed approach point

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