Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

How can a missed approach point (MAP) be identified?

1. Using DME only

2. Only through visual confirmation

3. By time from the final approach fix

4. By altitude alone

The correct answer is: By time from the final approach fix

Identifying a missed approach point (MAP) is crucial for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance during an instrument approach. One of the primary methods of identifying the MAP is by timing from the final approach fix (FAF). This involves calculating the time it takes to reach the MAP based on the aircraft's groundspeed after passing the FAF. The MAP timing is typically defined in the approach procedure, allowing pilots to determine when they need to initiate a missed approach if they are unable to land or continue to a runway. This method provides a consistent way to ensure that pilots have adequate information to make timely decisions during an approach. While DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) can be used to identify a MAP, reliance on DME alone may not provide a comprehensive approach to the missed approach scenario, as it can be affected by various factors such as terrain and equipment availability. Similarly, visual confirmation is beneficial in good visibility conditions but does not serve as a primary identification method for instrument approaches where visibility may be limited. Altitude alone cannot indicate when a pilot should initiate a missed approach, as it doesn't consider the context of the aircraft's approach profile and associated timing. Thus, timing from the final approach fix is a standard and reliable method for identifying the missed approach point.