What is the recommended altitude to maintain during a missed approach if visual contact is lost?

Maintaining the initial climb to the minimum safe altitude during a missed approach when visual contact is lost is critical for ensuring safety. This altitude is defined as the lowest altitude that guarantees obstacle clearance in the missed approach segment of an approach procedure. Operating at this altitude allows the pilot to safely navigate away from the airport environment and provides a buffer against potential obstacles in the area.

Climbing to the minimum safe altitude before receiving further instructions is necessary because it ensures that the aircraft is operating within a safe margin as it reestablishes its route or prepares for alternative landing options. This procedure is essential for maintaining safe navigation and compliance with regulatory standards in instrument flight operations.

Other options, such as maintaining the current altitude or holding at the last assigned altitude, may not provide sufficient protection against obstacles and can potentially lead to dangerous situations, especially in areas with terrain or other aircraft. Descent to minimum landing altitude is also not advisable during a missed approach, as it significantly increases the risk of collision with terrain or obstacles before an alternate plan is established.