In instrument approach procedures, what does the Missed Approach Point indicate?

• A. The altitude to reach before the runway
• B. The threshold crossing height
• C. The location where you must initiate a missed approach if required
• D. The location where you must begin descent

Answer: (C)

Missed Approach Point is the defined spot along the instrument approach where you must initiate the missed approach if the required visual reference for landing hasn’t been established. It marks the end of the approach segment and the point at which you switch to the published missed approach procedure if needed. The exact location can be a specific fix or distance from the runway on non-precision approaches, or it corresponds to the decision altitude/height on precision approaches. It’s not about an altitude to reach before the runway, nor the threshold crossing height, nor where you begin the descent—that descent is carried out along the approach path prior to the MAP.