Go-Around
A go-around discontinues an approach to landing and transitions the aircraft back to flight so another approach or other appropriate course of action can be made.
A go-around is a normal maneuver, not an admission that an approach has failed. It gives the pilot an alternative whenever continuing toward a landing is no longer the preferred course of action.
When a go-around may be appropriate
A go-around can be initiated for many reasons. Examples include an unstable approach, unexpected traffic or an obstruction on the runway, unsuitable spacing, changing wind conditions, or any other situation in which continuing the landing is no longer satisfactory.
The decision does not have to wait until the aircraft is immediately above the runway. Recognizing a deteriorating approach early generally gives the pilot more time to transition from the approach to the go-around.
Core principles
Although the exact procedure depends on the aircraft, several broad priorities remain important during a go-around.
Maintain aircraft control
The first priority is controlling the aircraft while transitioning away from the landing approach. The pilot must manage pitch, power, airspeed, trim, and configuration while establishing the required flight path.
Power
A go-around normally requires an increase in power appropriate to the aircraft and situation. Power changes can alter pitch forces and aircraft handling, so they must be accompanied by appropriate control inputs.
Attitude and airspeed
The aircraft is transitioned from the landing attitude toward the attitude and airspeed required for the go-around or climb. Avoiding an excessive pitch attitude and maintaining appropriate airspeed are important parts of aircraft control.
Configuration
Landing configuration may need to be changed during the maneuver. Configuration changes should follow the procedure applicable to the aircraft and should be managed without sacrificing aircraft control.
Flight path and communication
After establishing control, the pilot follows the appropriate traffic pattern, missed-approach, or ATC instructions for the situation and communicates intentions as appropriate.
Go-around vs missed approach
The terms are related but are not always interchangeable.
A go-around generally describes discontinuing an attempted landing and returning to flight. In instrument operations, a missed approach also involves following the applicable published missed-approach procedure or ATC instructions when required.
The exact flight path therefore depends on whether the aircraft is operating visually, flying an instrument approach, or following specific ATC instructions.
Why pilots practice go-arounds
A go-around combines several tasks during a relatively high-workload phase of flight. The pilot may need to change power, attitude, configuration, trim, flight path, and communications in a short period of time.
Practice helps make the transition familiar before the maneuver is needed unexpectedly. It also gives pilots an opportunity to experience how their aircraft responds when power and configuration are changed from an approach or landing condition.
Useful practice considerations
Depending on the aircraft, training objectives, conditions, and instructor guidance, go-around practice may include:
- recognizing when continuing an approach is no longer desirable;
- making an early and positive decision to go around;
- maintaining directional control;
- managing pitch and airspeed as power changes;
- managing configuration changes in the correct sequence;
- re-trimming as required;
- maintaining wind correction;
- following the appropriate traffic pattern or missed-approach path;
- communicating intentions without allowing radio work to displace aircraft control.
Related flying skills
Track go-around practice
Last Practiced lets you record the date you practiced a go-around alongside the other individual flying skills from the same session. You can also set a personal Practice Target if this is a skill you want to revisit at your own chosen interval.
Practice Targets are personal reminders. They do not establish regulatory currency, proficiency, or legal eligibility to fly.
References
- Federal Aviation Administration — Go-Arounds Explained
- Federal Aviation Administration — Airplane Flying Handbook
- Federal Aviation Administration — Pilot/Controller Glossary: Go Around
This page is a general reference and is not a substitute for aircraft documentation, flight instruction, regulations, or operational procedures applicable to a particular flight.