MISSED APPROACH

Objective

The student will demonstrate aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and proficient execution of missed approach procedures to ATP standards while operating a turbine helicopter under actual or simulated instrument conditions. Upon completion, the student will initiate missed approaches promptly, maintain precise aircraft control within ATP tolerances (altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±5 knots, heading ±5°), accurately track published missed approach courses, and communicate appropriately with ATC while managing aircraft systems and single-pilot resource management tasks. Performance will meet or exceed standards outlined in FAA-S-ACS-ATP Task AT.VII.B.

Content

Missed Approach Procedure Fundamentals

Regulatory Basis

14 CFR §91.175(e) requires pilots to immediately execute the appropriate missed approach procedure when:

• Required flight visibility or approach lighting/runway environment is not visible at DA/DH or MDA
• Upon reaching MAP and required visual references are not established
• At any time during the approach when continuing to landing would be unsafe
• When directed by ATC

14 CFR §91.185 governs lost communications procedures that may affect missed approach execution in IMC.

Decision Points and Timing

At the Decision Altitude (DA) or Decision Height (DH) for precision approaches, the decision to land or execute missed approach must be immediate. The critical visual references required per §91.175(c) must be distinctly visible and identifiable—if they’re not, go missed immediately. At Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) for non-precision approaches, reaching the Missed Approach Point (MAP) without required visual references requires immediate missed approach execution.

For helicopters, the MAP is typically defined by timing, DME, waypoint, or navigational fix. Because helicopters can operate at slower speeds and have unique hover/approach capabilities, pilots must carefully brief the MAP identification method. Many helicopter approaches use Point-in-Space (PinS) procedures where the MAP becomes a departure point for VFR maneuvering to the heliport—understanding when you’ve reached this transition point is critical.

Missed Approach Procedures and Segments

Published missed approach procedures consist of three segments:

1. Initial climb segment — begins at DA/DH or MAP, establishing positive rate of climb on initial heading/track
2. Intermediate segment — maneuvering to align with final missed approach course, often includes turns
3. Final segment — holding pattern, proceeding to alternate, or as cleared by ATC

The standard missed approach obstacle clearance is 152 feet per nautical mile in the initial and intermediate segments (24:1 surface). For helicopters operating under helicopter-specific procedures, different climb gradients may apply, but ATP-level pilots must verify aircraft performance capabilities against published requirements.

Turbine Helicopter Performance Considerations

In turbine helicopters (Bell 206, 407, AS350, EC130), missed approach execution requires immediate response to prevent settling or high power demands at low altitude. Unlike piston helicopters, turbine engines have spool-up characteristics—anticipation and smooth, deliberate application of power prevents overtorque while ensuring climb performance. Know your aircraft’s power margins: at high density altitudes, gross weight near maximum, or high-power instrument approaches, available power for missed approach may be marginal.

Single-engine operations during missed approach in light twins (AS355, BK117, EC145) require immediate identification of engine failure, appropriate emergency procedures, and ATC notification—your missed approach climb gradient may not meet published requirements on one engine.

Risk Management Elements

ATC Communication and Compliance

Professional pilots advise ATC immediately when unable to comply with any clearance. During missed approach procedures, this includes:

• Inability to meet climb gradients due to performance limitations
• Equipment malfunctions affecting navigation capability
• Any deviation from assigned altitudes, headings, or routes

Report beginning the missed approach immediately: “Approach, Helicopter 123AB is going missed approach.” This alerts ATC to your intentions and ensures separation services continue. Do not delay this call—aircraft control comes first, but the call should follow within seconds.

Missed Approach Procedure Compliance

Following the published missed approach procedure is mandatory unless ATC issues alternate instructions. The published procedure ensures obstacle clearance and separation from other traffic. However, if ATC issues amended instructions (“Helicopter 123AB, fly heading 180, climb and maintain 3,000”), comply with the ATC clearance—it supersedes the published procedure. Read back all amended clearances.

Common clearance requests during or after missed approach:

• Another approach to the same runway
• Approach to a different runway at the same airport
• Proceed to published holding fix for vectors to another approach
• Proceed direct to alternate airport
• Hold at a specified fix for improved weather or traffic spacing

Single-Pilot Resource Management

Missed approaches in actual IMC represent high workload moments. Effective SPRM requires:

• Thorough briefing of missed approach procedure before beginning the approach (identify initial heading, altitude, navigation source changes, holding instructions)
• Automation management — ensure GPS or FMS is properly sequenced for missed approach, or be prepared for manual navigation
• Maintaining positional awareness during the approach so missed approach initiation is decisive
• Prioritizing tasks: fly the aircraft first, navigate second, communicate third
• Using all available resources (autopilot if approved and functional, ATC for vectors if needed)

Stabilized Approach Discipline

Professional helicopter operations require disciplined stabilized approach criteria. If an approach becomes unstable (excessive deviations, airspeed excursions, loss of situational awareness), execute the missed approach early—before reaching DA/DH or MAP. ATP-level decision-making means recognizing when continuing is imprudent, even if you haven’t technically reached minimums yet.

Missed Approach Execution Technique

Immediate Actions at Decision Point

At DA/DH or MAP without required visual references:

1. Announce decision — “Going missed”
2. Apply power smoothly but decisively — increase collective to climb power setting, anticipate right pedal requirement, monitor torque
3. Establish climb attitude — transition from approach descent attitude to climb attitude (approximately 5-10° nose up, varies by helicopter type and loading)
4. Retract landing gear if applicable (certain helicopter models), reduce drag configurations
5. Accelerate to climb speed — transition from approach speed (often 60-80 KIAS depending on helicopter) to published climb speed or Vy

Navigation and Tracking

After positive rate of climb and aircraft reconfigured:

• Follow initial heading as published (often “straight ahead” or “runway heading”)
• Monitor altitude — level at initial altitude if specified, or continue climb to assigned altitude
• Track outbound course using primary navigation source
• Anticipate turns to intercept final missed approach course
• Cross-check heading indicator, GPS track, VOR/localizer needle positions
• Re-identify holding fix or clearance limit

ATC Coordination Sequence

Timing of communications:

1. “Approach, Helicopter 23AB going missed” — initial report while establishing climb
2. After aircraft stabilized and climbing: “Helicopter 23AB is established on the missed approach, requesting clearance for another approach” (or “request vectors,” “request clearance to alternate,” “request holding instructions”)
3. Expect amended clearance or holding instructions

If ATC does not respond immediately, continue flying the published missed approach procedure. ATC expects you to follow the published procedure unless they give you alternate instructions.

Checklists and Flows

Turbine helicopter missed approach checklists typically include:

• Power — climb power set, verify engine parameters (N1, N2, TOT, torque within limits)
• Attitude and airspeed — climb attitude established, airspeed increasing
• Configuration — drag items addressed (if applicable)
• Navigation — tracking outbound course or as published
• Communication — ATC notified

Some operators use mnemonics: C-P-A-N (Climb, Power, Attitude, Navigate). Use whatever checklist or flow your operator requires, but the goal is positive aircraft control, obstacle clearance, and procedural compliance.

Precision Standards

ATP-level missed approach performance:

• Altitude: ±100 feet from assigned altitude
• Airspeed: ±5 knots from target climb speed
• Heading: ±5° from assigned or published heading
• Course tracking: remain within ¾-scale deflection on CDI, or ±5° bearing/radial tracking

These tolerances are tighter than commercial standards and reflect the precision expected of professional pilots operating in the system.

Schedule

Equipment

Required Materials

• FAA-S-ACS-ATP (Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter ACS) — Task AT.VII.B
• FAA-H-8083-16B, Instrument Procedures Handbook, Chapter 4 (Approaches) and Chapter 10 (Helicopter IFR Operations)
• FAA-H-8083-21B, Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Chapter 11 (Helicopter IFR Operations)
• 14 CFR §91.175 (Takeoff and Landing Under IFR)
• 14 CFR §91.185 (IFR Communications Failure)
• Current approach plates for selected training airport (NACO or Jeppesen)
• Current helicopter flight manual or POH for aircraft being used
• En route low altitude chart and airport/facility directory

Aircraft and Equipment

• IFR-certified turbine helicopter (Bell 206, Bell 407, AS350, or approved training helicopter)
• Functioning IFR avionics with at least one VOR/ILS/GPS navigator
• View-limiting device (hood) for simulated IMC
• Current aircraft logbooks with IFR certification endorsement
• Functional intercom system for instructor-student communication

Visual Aids and Supplementary Materials

• Whiteboard or tablet for drawing missed approach profile views and plan views
• Laminated approach plate examples showing different missed approach types (straight-out, climbing turn, procedure turn holding patterns)
• Flow chart showing missed approach decision logic (at DA/DH: visual references? Yes→land / No→go missed)

Instructor Actions

1. Begin with scenario-based introduction: “You’re flying a Part 135 EMS mission at night in IMC. Lowering ceilings forced a diversion from your primary hospital heliport. You’re now executing an RNAV approach to your alternate. You reach DA at 400 feet—clouds are solid, no runway environment visible. What happens in the next 10 seconds determines whether this is a routine missed approach or an accident. Today we perfect that execution.”

2. Review the regulatory framework: Brief 14 CFR §91.175(e), emphasizing that missed approach execution is not optional when required visual references are not present at DA/DH or MAP. Explain the required visual references from §91.175(c) and why “I think I saw something” doesn’t meet the standard.

3. Present missed approach procedure structure: Draw a profile view showing the three segments (initial, intermediate, final). Explain obstacle clearance surfaces and why departing the published procedure without ATC clearance is dangerous. Show examples from approach plates the student will fly today.

4. Demonstrate approach plate briefing technique: Model a complete approach briefing that includes missed approach procedure: “If we go missed, we’ll climb straight ahead to 1,500, then climbing right turn direct to the ABC VOR, hold southeast as published, one-minute legs, right turns, expect further clearance via approach frequency.” Require students to brief this way every approach.

5. Discuss turbine helicopter-specific considerations: Explain power management during missed approach—the need for smooth but definitive collective application, anticipation of yaw with power increase, monitoring engine parameters (especially TOT and torque) during high-power climb. Compare the aircraft you’re flying today to other turbines the student may fly.

6. Review risk management scenarios: “You’re established on final, 500 feet above DA, and you realize you mis-identified the holding fix for the missed approach. What do you do?” (Answer: Execute the missed approach anyway if you reach DA without visual references—ask ATC for clarification once stabilized.) Present 2-3 similar scenarios requiring judgment and ATC communication.

7. Pre-flight the aircraft together: Walk through the IFR systems check, emphasizing items critical to missed approach execution—GPS waypoint sequencing, autopilot modes (if applicable), proper navigation source selection. Verify aircraft performance data supports the approach climb gradient requirements.

8. Brief the demonstration flight: “I’ll fly the first approach. Watch my scan, listen to my ATC communication timing, and notice how I transition from approach mode to missed approach mode—power, attitude, configuration, navigation. I’ll talk through my actions.”

9. Demonstrate the complete approach and missed approach: Fly a stabilized approach to DA or MAP, announce “Going missed,” smoothly apply climb power, establish climb attitude, report to ATC (“Approach, Helicopter 45XR going missed”), track the outbound course, cross-check instruments, level at assigned altitude, and request further clearance. Verbalize your thought process throughout.

10. Debrief the demonstration immediately after completion: “What did you notice about the timing of my power application? When did I start the turn to intercept the outbound course? How did I prioritize flying the helicopter versus navigating versus talking to ATC?” Answer student questions.

11. Coach the first student practice attempt: As the student flies the approach, provide gentle reminders: “Localizer’s coming back… glideslope’s alive… approaching DA… visual references?” If the student hesitates at DA, prompt: “No visual references—what’s your action?” Talk them through the missed approach sequence if needed: “Power… attitude… call ATC.”

12. Provide immediate feedback after first attempt: Identify one thing the student did well (“Your power application was smooth and immediate”) and one area for refinement (“Your initial heading drifted 15° left—let’s tighten that to within 5°”). Avoid overwhelming with multiple critiques; prioritize aircraft control first.

13. Increase performance expectations on second attempt: “This time, I want ATP precision. Altitude within 100 feet, heading within 5 degrees, airspeed within 5 knots. You can do this—just tighten your scan and make smaller corrections.” Allow the student to fly with minimal prompting unless safety is a factor.

14. Introduce complexity on the third attempt: Before beginning the approach, brief: “This time, when you call going missed, I’ll play ATC and give you an amended clearance—maybe vectors, maybe hold as published, maybe proceed to your alternate. Your job is to copy the clearance, read it back, and comply.” Simulate realistic ATC instructions.

15. Evaluate against ATP standards: On the final approach, observe silently (unless safety requires intervention). Use the ACS completion standards as a checklist: prompt initiation, proper climb attitude, drag reduction, ATC communication, checklist usage, altitude within 100 feet, airspeed within 5 knots, heading within 5 degrees, accurate tracking. Note deviations for debrief.

16. Conduct thorough post-flight debrief: Review performance against each ACS element for Task AT.VII.B. Use objective data: “At 3,000 feet assigned, you leveled at 3,080—within standards. Your outbound heading was 095, you flew 098—well within 5 degrees. Excellent.” For any deficiencies, identify the root cause and prescribe specific practice: “Your airspeed excursions came from attention inside during the turn—next time, expand your scan to include airspeed every third instrument.”

17. Assign preparation for next lesson: “Before our next flight, review the missed approach procedures at [specific airport]. Brief each one aloud, including the holding pattern entries you’d fly. We’ll fly three different approaches next time with varying missed approach complexities.”

18. Document the lesson: Complete training records noting specific approaches flown, ACS tasks addressed (AT.VII.B), and proficiency level achieved. If areas need additional practice, note them explicitly for continuity.

Student Actions

1. Prepare for the lesson by reviewing FAA-H-8083-16B Chapter 4 and FAA-H-8083-21B Chapter 11 sections on missed approaches and helicopter IFR operations, and studying the approach plates for airports to be used during the training flight.

2. Actively participate in ground discussion, asking questions about missed approach decision criteria, ATC communication requirements, and turbine helicopter performance considerations specific to the training aircraft.

3. Practice approach briefings during ground training, verbalizing the complete missed approach procedure including initial heading, altitude, navigation source changes, course intercepts, and holding instructions, refining briefing technique based on instructor feedback.

4. Assist with aircraft preflight, ensuring familiarity with IFR systems, navigation equipment setup, and autopilot operation (if applicable), and verifying aircraft performance data meets approach requirements.

5. Observe the instructor demonstration carefully, noting the timing and sequence of control inputs during missed approach initiation, the scan pattern used during the climb and navigation phase, and the phraseology used for ATC communication.

6. Fly the first practice approach to DA/DH or MAP, making the decision to execute missed approach when required visual references are not visible, and executing the procedure with instructor coaching, focusing on prompt initiation and positive aircraft control.

7. Apply instructor feedback on the second practice attempt, refining power application technique, tightening tolerances toward ATP standards (altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±5 knots, heading ±5°), and improving navigation accuracy during the missed approach segment.

8. Demonstrate decision-making and SPRM on the third practice attempt, managing higher workload with amended ATC clearances, copying and reading back instructions correctly, and prioritizing aircraft control while managing navigation and communication tasks.

9. Use appropriate checklists or flows during each missed approach execution, verifying power settings, aircraft configuration, engine parameters, navigation setup, and communication completion per manufacturer and operator procedures.

10. Communicate with ATC professionally and promptly, reporting beginning of missed approach immediately upon decision, reading back all amended clearances, and requesting appropriate clearances (another approach, vectors, holding, or alternate airport) once aircraft is stabilized.

11. Self-assess performance after each approach, identifying deviations from ATP standards and areas for improvement before the instructor debrief, developing self-critique skills essential for professional operations.

12. Participate in post-flight debrief, discussing decision points, workload management techniques, areas of strong performance, and specific actions to improve deficiencies, and asking questions about scenarios that could be encountered in future operations.

13. Complete assigned preparation for subsequent lessons, studying additional approach procedures with complex missed approaches, practicing mental visualization of missed approach execution sequences, and reviewing risk management scenarios.

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates mastery of missed approach procedures in a turbine helicopter under simulated or actual instrument conditions, meeting ATP performance standards per FAA-S-ACS-ATP Task AT.VII.B when the following criteria are achieved:

Knowledge Requirements

• Explains the regulatory requirements for missed approach execution per 14 CFR §91.175(e), correctly identifying when missed approach procedures are mandatory
• Describes the three segments of missed approach procedures (initial, intermediate, final) and explains obstacle clearance criteria for each segment
• Articulates turbine helicopter-specific performance considerations including power management, engine parameter monitoring, and climb performance limitations
• Demonstrates thorough understanding of missed approach procedure components from approach plates including initial heading/altitude, navigation fixes, holding instructions, and clearance limits

Risk Management

• States commitment to advise ATC immediately any time unable to comply with a clearance, including inability to meet climb gradients, equipment malfunctions, or deviations from assigned parameters
• Complies with published missed approach procedures or ATC-amended clearances without deviation, demonstrating understanding that obstacle clearance depends on procedural compliance
• Requests appropriate clearances (another approach, vectors, holding, or proceed to alternate) once aircraft is stabilized in the missed approach, using correct phraseology and demonstrating professional ATC communication
• Identifies scenarios requiring early missed approach execution prior to DA/DH or MAP due to unstabilized approach conditions, demonstrating conservative professional judgment

Skill Performance (Critical Elements)

• Prompt initiation: Executes missed approach immediately upon reaching DA/DH or MAP without required visual references, or when directed by ATC, with no hesitation or delay that could result in descent below minimums or position beyond MAP

• Power application: Applies climb power smoothly but decisively, increasing collective to achieve climb power setting appropriate for the aircraft, anticipating and correcting for yaw with pedal input, monitoring torque and temperature limits, avoiding abrupt inputs that could exceed engine limitations

• Climb attitude establishment: Transitions from approach descent attitude to climb attitude promptly (approximately 5-10° nose up depending on helicopter type), achieving positive rate of climb within 3 seconds of power application

• Drag reduction: Accomplishes drag reduction items per aircraft checklist (retracts landing gear if applicable, ensures proper aircraft configuration for climb performance)

• ATC communication: Reports to ATC beginning the missed approach within 5 seconds of initiation using proper phraseology (“Approach, Helicopter [callsign] going missed”), and requests appropriate clearance once aircraft is stabilized

• Checklist compliance: Follows manufacturer’s recommended missed approach checklist items or operator-approved flows, verifying power settings, aircraft configuration, engine parameters, and navigation setup

• Precision altitude control: Maintains assigned or published altitudes within ±100 feet throughout the missed approach procedure, demonstrating smooth level-off technique when reaching intermediate or final segment altitudes

• Precision airspeed control: Maintains target climb airspeed within ±5 knots, smoothly accelerating from approach speed to climb speed and maintaining climb speed throughout the procedure

• Precision heading control: Maintains assigned or published headings within ±5° throughout all segments of the missed approach, demonstrating coordinated turns and precise heading capture

• Accurate course tracking: Tracks published missed approach courses, radials, and bearings within ¾-scale CDI deflection or ±5° of course centerline, demonstrating proper navigation source selection and cross-checking

• Holding pattern entry and execution: If missed approach terminates in a holding pattern, enters using appropriate entry procedure and flies the holding pattern within ATP standards (separate ACS task standards apply if holding proficiency is being evaluated)

Overall Performance

Student performs missed approach procedures with precision, professionalism, and consistency expected of an ATP helicopter pilot operating in the National Airspace System, demonstrating single-pilot resource management, appropriate task prioritization (aviate-navigate-communicate), and safe aircraft operation throughout all phases of the missed approach from decision point through completion of the published procedure or compliance with ATC clearance.

Any deviation from ATP tolerances (altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±5 knots, heading ±5°) or failure to promptly initiate the missed approach when required constitutes unsatisfactory performance requiring additional practice.