On a localizer approach with a timed Missed Approach Point from FAF, what indicates you have reached the MAP?

On a localizer approach with a timed Missed Approach Point from FAF, what indicates you have reached the MAP?

• A. The time elapsed equals the published time
• B. The aircraft's groundspeed matches the published value
• C. The localizer needle centers
• D. The altitude crosses the minimum descent altitude

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a timed Missed Approach Point uses a fixed interval from the Final Approach Fix to define where the MAP occurs. When you cross the FAF, you start the timer, and the MAP is reached exactly when the elapsed time equals the published time. At that moment, if you don’t have the required visual references, you must execute the missed approach. The other indicators don’t define the MAP. Centered localizer needles show you’re established on the course, but don’t mark the end of the approach segment. Crossing the minimum descent altitude is an altitude constraint, not the point to switch to missed approach unless the plate specifies it that way. Groundspeed affects your distance traveled, but for a timed MAP the trigger is purely the elapsed time, not a speed-derived distance.

The key idea is that a timed Missed Approach Point uses a fixed interval from the Final Approach Fix to define where the MAP occurs. When you cross the FAF, you start the timer, and the MAP is reached exactly when the elapsed time equals the published time. At that moment, if you don’t have the required visual references, you must execute the missed approach.

The other indicators don’t define the MAP. Centered localizer needles show you’re established on the course, but don’t mark the end of the approach segment. Crossing the minimum descent altitude is an altitude constraint, not the point to switch to missed approach unless the plate specifies it that way. Groundspeed affects your distance traveled, but for a timed MAP the trigger is purely the elapsed time, not a speed-derived distance.