What does the term "missed approach" mean in aviation?

The term "missed approach" refers specifically to the procedure that a pilot follows when they are unable to land on the intended runway, often due to factors such as poor visibility, obstacles, or other safety concerns that prevent a safe landing. During a missed approach, the pilot executes a pre-determined maneuver to climb away from the airport and, if necessary, prepares to enter holding patterns or to divert to an alternate airport. This procedure is critical for maintaining safety in aviation operations, ensuring that pilots have clear guidelines to follow in circumstances where a landing cannot be safely completed.

The context of the other options provides clarity on why they do not define a "missed approach." A procedure to land at a secondary airport involves different protocols and is not related to failed landing attempts at the intended runway. Similarly, a flight maneuver for training purposes may involve various maneuvers but does not specifically address the safety procedures in the context of a missed approach. Lastly, a signal to prepare for touchdown would simply indicate that landing is imminent, contrasting with the missed approach, where landing cannot take place.