westhawk,
Thanks for that, and consistent with what I posted.
Italia 458,
Wherever you fly, your home CAA or whatever, have a look up your AIP, it will probably be there, it is also in Annex 10, Vol.2 somewhere: The phrase "cleared for approach" means the clearance limit is the threshold. Not any other point in space. Look it up to satisfy yourself. This sort of thing is basic, it is not a matter of opinion. You might also find it in UK CAA CAP 413.
The missed approach is certainly part of the "instrument procedure", but it is not part of the "approach". To go a little further back, phases of "approach", the "initial approach", the "intermediate approach", and the (final) approach, from the FAF/FAP, and terminating at the threshold/in the flare. The "missed approach" begins anywhere down the approach that the approach is discontinued, as Westhawk has noted. The design missed approach segment begins at the DH or MDA for the particular approach.
If you think your clearance limit when "cleared for approach" is the missed approach hold (if there is one) try a missed approach somewhere busy, and you will get a practical demonstration otherwise. For planning purposes, most CNS/ATM systems assume an approach will result in a landing, there is simply not enough airspace, at busy airports, to assume every approach will be a missed approach.
Particularly if the same runway is being used for arrivals and departures.
As to "visual segment" of an instrument approach, this is not the same thing as when you become visual somewhere on an actual approach, "visual segment" is part of the procedure design, and is fixed for a particular approach.
Tootle pip!!
Last edited by LeadSled; 27th Dec 2012 at 11:00.