Rejected Landing
A rejected landing discontinues a landing attempt at or near touchdown and transitions the airplane back to flight when continuing the landing is no longer appropriate.
Rejected landing and go-around
A rejected landing is closely related to a go-around but may begin very late in the landing sequence, including during the flare or after initial runway contact.
The exact terminology and procedure depend on aircraft documentation, training context, and operation.
Reasons to reject a landing
A landing may need to be discontinued because of poor alignment, excessive drift, an unstable touchdown, runway obstruction, unexpected traffic, loss of directional control, wind changes, or another condition that makes continuing undesirable.
The decision should be based on maintaining aircraft control and an acceptable flight path rather than trying to salvage an unsatisfactory landing.
Aircraft control
A rejected landing can involve rapid changes in power, pitch, trim, configuration, and flight path at low altitude.
Aircraft control remains the first priority while the pilot transitions from landing back to flight.
Power and configuration
Power and configuration changes must follow the procedure applicable to the aircraft.
Abrupt configuration changes or an inappropriate pitch response can reduce performance or create additional workload at a critical stage of flight.
Directional and wind control
Runway alignment and wind correction remain important during the transition. The pilot should prevent drift or directional deviation while establishing the required climb or flight path.
Crosswind inputs may need to change as the airplane accelerates and becomes fully airborne.
Common rejected-landing errors
- delaying the decision while trying to salvage a poor landing;
- poor directional control;
- excessive pitch after power application;
- incorrect configuration sequencing;
- allowing airspeed to deteriorate;
- relaxing crosswind correction;
- allowing communication tasks to displace aircraft control.
Why pilots practice rejected landings
A rejected landing combines go-around skills with the additional challenge of beginning the maneuver very close to the runway.
Practice helps pilots become familiar with the aircraft's response to power and configuration changes from the landing condition.
Useful practice considerations
Depending on the aircraft, conditions, training objective, applicable standards, and instructor guidance, practice may include:
- recognizing when continuing the landing is no longer satisfactory;
- making a positive decision to discontinue the landing;
- maintaining directional and wind control;
- applying power according to aircraft procedure;
- managing pitch and airspeed;
- changing configuration in the correct sequence;
- establishing the appropriate flight path;
- maintaining aircraft control before communication or secondary tasks.
Related flying skills
Track rejected landing practice
Last Practiced lets you record the date you practiced rejected landing 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 — Airplane Flying Handbook
- Federal Aviation Administration — Airman Certification Standards
This page is a general reference and is not a substitute for aircraft documentation, flight instruction, regulations, certification standards, or operational procedures applicable to a particular flight.