Originally Posted by Hans
it would be nice if there was a published standard heading/altitude for those times that ATC does not "otherwise instruct".
Not the USA but our AIP says this:
2.14 Go Around and Missed Approach Procedure in VMC
2.14.1 Except as specified in ERSA for specific locations, an aircraft that is required to go around from a visual approach in VMC must initially climb on runway track, remain visual and await instructions from ATC. If the aircraft can not clear obstacles on runway track, the aircraft may turn.
2.14.2 In the event that an aircraft is unable, or does not wish, to land from an instrument approach in VMC, the aircraft must carry out the published instrument missed approach procedure for the instrument approach being flown, unless ATC directs otherwise.
At least the lateral bit's taken-care of.
On our own initiative, we would also set the ILS Missed Approach altitude.