So you have been cleard for an approach from the final approach fix. Lets say it is a VOR/DME 18 approach and in your clearance you have been told to circle to runway 36. Lets also say the Missed Approach Point is the end of runway 18 and is determined by a DME distance. It could also be determined by time if this were a VOR 18 approach.
You fly the VOR/DME approach to the minimum descent altitude and break out into the clear and begin your circling approach for a left downwind for runway 36. Just prior to the aircraft reaching the abeam point of runway 36 you enter the clouds and loose site of the runway enviroment. Now what should you do? Your missed approach clearance is to perform a climbing right turn to 220 degree and 4,000" MSL.
Slide A - Follows the missed approach clearance exactly as stated
Slide B - The pilot elects to turn left towards to airport and make a 320 degree left turn to a heading of 220 degrees.
Which is correct: Slide "B" is correct.
You are likely saying why. The reason is that the missed approach point (the begining of runway 18) is the point that obstacle clearance is determined from and the point the aircraft starts the missed approach. In this case you have circled and are likely 2 to 2 1/2 miles south of the missed approach point. In order to stay in the protected airspace you are to turn towards the airport runway and begin a climbing left turn until reaching a heading of 220 degrees and then continue with the clearance.
Slide "A" is incorrect because you will begin your missed approach, climbing turn into unprotected airspace initially. This would be a big mistake in areas of moutainous terrain or even higher close in obstacles.
Robbie Johnson
Chief Pilot
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