How to Properly Report a Missed Approach during Instrument Flight

You Just Called for the Approach—Now What?

When that approach isn’t a done deal and you find yourself needing to abort, how do you communicate this effectively? Well, buckle up, because it’s not just about hitting a button; it’s about how you relay that information to Air Traffic Control (ATC).

The Golden Rule of Communication

First off, let’s get straight to the point: when you’re executing a missed approach, you need to report it to ATC—there’s really no other way around it. Bombarding ATC with your intentions, including the specific missed approach procedure you're about to follow, is crucial! It’s like you’re on a team and your teammates are counting on you for the next play—it’s all about maintaining situational awareness.

The Right Way to Report

So, what should you say? Here it goes:

1. State your intentions. That could be as simple as saying, “ATC, Delta 123 is executing a missed approach.”
2. Include the procedure. You’ll want to specify the missed approach plan you’re following.
3. Update on altitude and heading. Let them know your new altitude immediately! Keeping ATC in the loop on your altitude changes and heading is like giving them a map to your next location.

For instance, saying "Climbing to 4,000 feet following the ILS Missed Approach procedure" isn't just thorough; it’s reassuring to everyone involved.

Why Silence Isn’t Golden

Now, you might think, "Why not just try to quietly execute the missed approach?" Let’s be real—silence is not your friend here! Failing to report can lead to dangerous assumptions on ATC’s part, which can be tricky when you’ve got other aircraft buzzing around. You wouldn’t want ATC to think you’re still on final, would you?

The Need for Coordination

It's also worth noting that when you do inform ATC, you aid them in maintaining separation from other aircraft. This communication channel ensures that everyone’s on the same page, which is critical for safety. Remember, ATC is your co-pilot in the sky—they need to know when you are switching gears.

But What About the Tower?

You might wonder—should I just contact the airport tower directly? While that’s an option after establishing your missed approach with ATC, skipping ATC can cause confusion. It could be akin to changing lanes without signaling—it just doesn’t sit right and can cause misunderstandings.

Passengers Need to Know Too

And while you’re at it, it’s definitely courteous to keep your passengers in the loop when there’s a procedure change. But remember, that communication should take a back seat to what you're conveying to ATC. Keeping the cabin crew informed is essential for comfort, but your primary responsibility remains clear communication with ATC.

Bringing It All Together

So, the next time you find yourself executing a missed approach, remember the importance of clear communication. Report your intentions and the specific missed approach procedure to ATC without hesitation. After all, it’s all about working together up there in the skies! Keeping that teamwork vibe alive not only enhances safety but paves the way for a seamless re-approach or diversion if needed.

Just picture it: you’ve calmly communicated your missed approach, and with ATC on board, you’re ready to navigate your next steps. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep those skies clear!