A “go around” is an essential flight maneuver where a pilot decides not to complete a landing attempt and instead takes the aircraft back into the air to make another approach or divert to an alternative airport. This procedure is a critical aspect of flight safety management, allowing pilots to avoid potentially hazardous situations during landing. The decision to initiate a go around can occur at any phase, from the final approach to the moment before the aircraft touches the ground, provided that the landing gear has not begun to bear the aircraft’s weight and deceleration devices like brakes or thrust reversers have not been deployed.
The go-around procedure is a testament to the aviation industry’s commitment to safety and allows pilots to abort a landing if they judge that conditions are no longer suitable for a safe touchdown. These conditions could be due to sudden changes in weather, runway obstructions, traffic congestion on the runway, operational errors, or unstable approaches where the aircraft’s speed, altitude, or alignment with the runway are not within safe parameters.
Executing a go around involves several critical steps: increasing thrust force, adjusting the aircraft’s pitch to climb away from the ground, retracting the landing gear, and incrementally adjusting the flaps to ensure the aircraft remains in a controlled climb. During this maneuver, pilots must communicate effectively with air traffic control to update their flight status and intentions and to receive further instructions for safely navigating back to the approach phase or to another destination.
When is a go around appropriate?
A go around is deemed appropriate in various situations that compromise the safety of the landing process. These include technical issues with the aircraft, excessive air traffic, sudden inclement weather, or any anomalies during the approach phase that prevent a stable landing setup. Pilots are trained to prioritise safety and opt for a go around if there is any doubt about the conditions or configuration at the time of landing.
How long does a go-around take?
A go-around typically requires a few minutes as the aircraft must ascend, stabilise, and then either reposition for another landing attempt or proceed to an alternate route. This duration can vary based on the specific airport, weather conditions, and air traffic control requirements.
How common are go-arounds in flying?
While not a daily occurrence, go-arounds are a standard procedure and are practiced regularly by pilots to ensure proficiency. They represent a critical safety mechanism within aviation, ensuring that landings are only attempted under the safest conditions. Turboprop-propelled aircraft, like other aircraft types, occasionally require go-arounds when confronted with aerodynamic challenges or operational contingencies during approach and landing.