Which statement about the Missed Approach Point is accurate?

• A. A point at which the approach begins.
• B. The altitude at which the pilot should begin the missed approach.
• C. A point in the approach where you switch to landing configuration.
• D. A point prescribed in each instrument approach at which a missed approach procedure shall be executed if the required visual reference has not been established.

Answer: (D)

The Missed Approach Point is the designated point on an instrument approach where, if you do not have the required visual references to continue and land, you must initiate the missed approach procedure. It’s not where the approach begins, and it’s not simply about when to raise landing gear or flaps. It’s the defined moment to execute the climb-out if the runway or required cues aren’t visible.

This point is specified for every instrument approach and can be a fixed fix or distance on non-precision approaches, or the decision altitude/height on precision approaches. For example, on a precision approach the missed approach is triggered at the decision altitude, while on a non-precision approach it’s defined by a particular fix or by a certain distance from the facility. That’s why the correct description is that this point is prescribed in each approach at which you must execute the missed approach if the visual reference isn’t established.

The other statements don’t fit because the Missed Approach Point is not simply where the approach begins, nor is it defined solely as the altitude to begin the missed approach, nor as the moment to switch to landing configuration.