On a LOC approach, when should you go missed?

On a LOC approach, when should you go missed?

• A. DME or Time
• B. When you see the runway
• C. At the published minimums
• D. After crossing the FAF.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that on a LOC approach you must go around at the published missed approach point, not at some arbitrary cue. For a localizer (non-precision) approach, the missed approach point is defined by a specific distance from the final approach fix (often given as DME) or by elapsed time from the FAF. When you reach that MAP and you don’t have the required visual references to land safely, you initiate the missed approach. That’s why DME or Time is the correct trigger—it pinpoints the exact moment to decide whether to continue visually or execute a missed approach. Minimums set the altitude you must stay at during the approach, not the point at which you must go around. Crossing the FAF occurs earlier in the approach; the MAP is a defined point along the final approach, not simply after crossing the FAF. Seeing the runway can allow a landing if you have the runway environment and required references in sight, but the official decision point remains the missed approach point defined by distance or time.

The key idea is that on a LOC approach you must go around at the published missed approach point, not at some arbitrary cue. For a localizer (non-precision) approach, the missed approach point is defined by a specific distance from the final approach fix (often given as DME) or by elapsed time from the FAF. When you reach that MAP and you don’t have the required visual references to land safely, you initiate the missed approach. That’s why DME or Time is the correct trigger—it pinpoints the exact moment to decide whether to continue visually or execute a missed approach.

Minimums set the altitude you must stay at during the approach, not the point at which you must go around. Crossing the FAF occurs earlier in the approach; the MAP is a defined point along the final approach, not simply after crossing the FAF. Seeing the runway can allow a landing if you have the runway environment and required references in sight, but the official decision point remains the missed approach point defined by distance or time.