Go-around

Go-around

Go-around is a standard procedure in aviation that involves aborting a landing attempt and instead taking off to circle around and either attempt another landing or divert to an alternate airport. This maneuver is a critical safety procedure taught to all pilots and is executed for various reasons, including but not limited to, unstable approach, runway incursion by another aircraft or vehicle, adverse weather conditions, or technical issues with the aircraft or the airport's landing aids.

Procedure

The go-around procedure involves several key steps that pilots must execute in a coordinated manner:

1. Power is applied to the engines to increase thrust.
2. The aircraft's pitch attitude is increased to initiate a climb.
3. Landing gear (if extended) and flaps are retracted to specific settings to ensure optimal climb performance.
4. The aircraft's navigation systems are adjusted for the go-around maneuver, which may involve following a missed approach procedure predefined for the particular runway or a manual navigation by the pilots.
5. Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is established or maintained to inform them of the go-around decision and to receive further instructions.

Reasons for a Go-around

A go-around can be initiated for several reasons, including:

• Unstable Approach: If the aircraft is not on a stable flight path for landing, including incorrect airspeed, altitude, or alignment with the runway.
• Runway Incursion: Any unauthorized presence on the runway, such as another aircraft, vehicle, or wildlife, can necessitate a go-around.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Poor visibility, strong crosswinds, or severe turbulence can make landing unsafe.
• Technical Issues: Problems with the aircraft, such as landing gear or flap malfunctions, or issues with airport facilities like lighting or navigation aids.
• ATC Instructions: Air Traffic Control may instruct a go-around if the runway is not clear or if spacing with another aircraft is insufficient.

Training and Safety

Pilots receive extensive training on the go-around procedure, practicing it under various scenarios during flight training. This ensures that they can perform it promptly and efficiently when required. The go-around is considered a fundamental part of safe aviation operations, emphasizing that landing should never be forced if conditions are not right. The decision to go-around is always supported by aviation authorities and airlines as it prioritizes safety over schedule or fuel considerations.

Impact on Operations

While a go-around can cause delays and requires additional fuel consumption, its impact on airport operations is generally well-managed through coordination with ATC. Pilots and air traffic controllers work together to integrate the aircraft back into the landing queue or divert it to an alternate destination if necessary. Advanced navigation and communication systems in modern aircraft and ATC centers help minimize the operational impact of go-arounds.