To Go-Around or not to Go-Around, that is the question. However, there are some questions pilots should ask themselves before making this decision much sooner than the final approach. Safe pilots should ask themselves, “Is the landing checklist complete?” and “Is the approach stabilized?” Pilot go-arounds are common and essential to safety.
A good, safe landing begins before entering the airport environment with continued evaluation throughout the entire phase of landing.
What are some examples of go-around situations?
One go-around I recall, after having completed the appropriate landing checklists and while on a stabilized approach, was when a sudden gust of wind lifted my airplane into the air over the runway threshold. This destabilized my approach so the decision was clear: go-around!
I also remember vividly enjoying an early morning flight, and a flock of birds flew directly in my path on final approach. I had to change my fight path, so a go-around was necessary. On another occasion, foreign object debris (FOD) blew onto the runway, and air traffic control requested that I go-around. Wildlife, which includes turtles and alligators in Florida, are a hazard on or near the runway, and their appearance sometimes requires a go-around.
The decision to go-around instead of landing as planned is not made lightly. Multiple factors impact this decision.
What exactly is a go-around?
The term “go-around” is used for all types and size of aircraft. This term is universal and recognized all over the world.
A pilot go-around is not an emergency and may be necessary for a number of reasons. There are many unsatisfactory landing conditions. and a go-around might be necessary. These include: unstable approach, unable to land in the touchdown zone, not in correct configuration, directed by air traffic control, obstacle on the runway, or aircraft controllability issues. These examples are reasons to discontinue a landing approach and make another approach under more favorable conditions.
A pilot go-around is not the result of insufficient experience or skill on landing an airplane. This is a misconception. The truth is, the go-around is a maneuver to discontinue an approach for better, safer landing conditions, and it is used by expert pilots every day.
How do pilots know when to execute a go-around?
The Go-Around Decision-Making and Execution Project from Flight Safety reported the average go-around percentages are1 to 2 go-arounds for every 1,000 approaches. The lack of the go-around decision is the leading risk factor in approach and landing accidents, and the primary cause of runway incursions during landing. Fewer than 5% of all unstable approaches result in the execution of a go-around for a safer approach.
Like any maneuver, you should practice and perfect go-around must be practiced and perfected. Flight instructors emphasize the go-around maneuver as an alternative to an unsafe or unstable approach or landing. They do this early on in a student pilot’s training. Although the need to discontinue a landing may arise at any point in the landing process, the most critical go-around is one started when very close to the ground. Recognizing early unfavorable landing conditions will increase the effectiveness of the go-around.
The go-around maneuver is not dangerous in itself. A go-around becomes dangerous only when delayed or performed improperly. Reasons for most go-around delays include:
Landing expectancy – having a mindset for making the landing
Pride – the mistaken belief that the act of going around is an admission of failure to make the landing properly
The improper procedure for the go-around maneuver is lack of familiarity with the three cardinal principles: power, attitude, and configuration.
Do pilots need to notify ATC of a go-around?
You must contact ATC as soon as practical when initiating a pilot go-around. Oftentimes, ATC will contact the pilot first with instructions to either safely remain in the traffic pattern, or depart the area until further guidance.
Busier airports may declare a “no go-around runway” when two runways with similar magnetic runway headings are in use. If the go-around is due to a safety issue, you should execute the go-around immediately as needed, and then contact ATC. Practicing go-arounds on a no go-around runway jeopardizes the safety of all concerned. Flight instructors will avoid these runways when teaching go-arounds and when students solo.
Both seasoned and new pilots should regularly practice go-arounds with a flight instructor. If you stay current with this maneuver, you will be safer. When the invisible hand of the wind seems to reach out and grab the airplane, safely go-around!
Editors may update content periodically to ensure all information remains current.
I have a consistent schedule at my job, and was just wondering if i needed to change my schedule to go around schooling, or would schooling be able to go around my schedule?
I've been flying since 26 years now - glider beginner in 1994, glider license in 1996, SEP (land) in 2002 (Zlin Z-142 low wing aerobatic fixed (nose)gear 210 HP constant speed prop, definitely less forgiving than a Cessna); presently I'm a glider instructor and lately I fly motorgliders (mostly the SF-25 "Falke", more difficult to land than a Cessna); and in the past 2 years I've attended an A&P school which gives an actual Part66 license to those who attend the school as full "daytime" students, while I went to the evening school "version" which gives the same learning materials but in fewer hours of classes, so this education gives "only" a certificate, with which I could work at airliner maintenance companies like Aeroplex or Lufthansa Technik (at our international airport LHBP); to build hours (on the field of maintenance/repair) , to have actual maintenance job experience which is also necessary in order to get the Part66 license (apart from the theory module exams), but salaries here would be not sufficient to stay afloat, not to mention to manage some savings and advance in my aviation carreer, so I definitely don't want to work there, I don't even apply because I know some fellows who went to the same school as I did, and who already work at these companies. AND I'm more interested in the maintenance of GA aircrafts as opposed to airliners. Presently I'm in the process of restoring a motoglider, but I'm not an experienced technician, but not a fully beginner either (somewhere in between), and would be happy to learn further, working alongside an experienced Part66 A&P person or at an aircraft maintenance company/organization. I speak "not native but fluent" English, Spanish and Catalan, and a little bit of Italian, German, with some faint memories of Russian (from elementary school years), and I type with 10 fingers blind, and most certainly I can find my ways quickly in basically any software. I also have category A, B, C (trucks) , D (autobus) and E ("semi" / heavy trailer) lincenses, plus heavy machinery like caterpillar diggers or backhoe loaders. I'd love to do my Sea Rating (probably/possibly in Florida where my uncle lives), but for that first I'd need to go through the EASA-to-FAA conversion (once I already got until a Verification Letter but it expired because my contract with a US company ended so I had to come home); background check and drug check wouldn't be a problem. The problem is financing (working and earning money - which not necessarily or not always go together) and to get the work permit (visa) to be able to work legally in the US (otherwise I won't be able to get there). I could imagine working even as a gatekeeper to walk around premises in every hour, or as a truck driver, in a way ("part time" ?) that would allow me to have significant amount of time to read (learn), but despite the obvious shortage of truck drivers in LA for instance - to my great surprise - the recruiting companies don't offer visa sponsorhip. I found companies from India who offer visa sponsorship, but they would need employees to work with SAP software system, which I could of course pick up in half a year or a year or such, but, again, the "narrow diameter" is having the Time while working (with sufficient salary). So, the question is (although I do realize that all this might seem 'ehhhh, this guy is waaaay too complicated') , would someone be willing to help me with contacts / communication, regarding how I could get a "lazy" job somewhere so that I can get established (with visa sponsorship) ? For instance I would ab-so-lu-tely love to work as a glider instructor (for a salary), and besides that I could attend an A&P school AND be an apprentice at a maintenance company. (Hmm, what do you think ?) In a general sense I'm looking for opportunities / possibilities, not so much for the immediate/short-term future, rather for the mid-term, first with shorter (1-2 months long) contracts, and then go from there. Would be happy to communicate with "anyone" who could give some useful hints.
I'm a missionary in Lome Togo, West Africa. I'm ot a USA citizen or resident. I want to go on with my dreams but unfortunately there's no school of aviation around here. So how will I be able to secure my Visa. Besides, I lost my high school certificate back home long ago. I'm trying to figure out what equivalent certificate you might need. So do you have any particular exam for me to take. Just need good options.
Dealing With Roommates Having a college roommate is most people's first experience living with someone who is not related to them. It comes with both benefits and challenges. Getting along with your college roommate can enhance your college experience. You get an instant friend, someone to confide in and keep you company during your first time away from home. However, since many colleges randomly assign your first roommate, you also run the risk of being matched with someone you find challenging or don't relate to right away. Either way, here's some good advice: Establish some rules at the beginning.
Make your preferences known from the start so you and your roommate are clear on what to do to avoid conflict. Establish what space is whose, when you need quiet time to study, which items you can share, what time you go to bed, if you like to sleep in on weekends and who's allowed to eat what in the refrigerator. Some residence halls even require roommates to write up a roommate contract to put your rules in writing. Perhaps this is something you and your roommate could do on your own. Make it a fun introductory exercise and hang your contract somewhere in your room as a reminder. This way, if you do find yourselves disagreeing, you have something to help negotiate a solution that works for both of you. Have good communication.
Practicing direct communication will help you in good times and bad. Dorm rooms are close quarters, so even if you get along with your roommate, there is bound to be a conflict or two. Handle such conflicts with open communication. You can't expect your roommate to be a mind reader, so if you get upset or frustrated, communicate it to your roommate right away. Use a respectful tone and choose your words carefully. You'll find such communication gets better reception and ultimately a better response than if you just attack or criticize. Good communication also comes into play during everyday interactions. Try to engage your roommate. Ask how his or her day was or congratulate him or her on that good essay score. A little praise and interest can go a long way. You need to compromise.
Whenever you're dealing with the wants and needs of other people, you need to compromise. When it comes to doing chores around the room, listening to certain kinds of music, watching different TV shows and requesting privacy, compromise is key. If you give a little, your roommate will give a little. Compromising does not mean giving in to all of someone's requests; it means coming to a mutual agreement. So, utilize positive communication, and talk through the things you and your roommate differ on until you can reach a compromise. Even if you find yourself in a situation where you and your roommate just don't get along, moving out should be the last resort. Dealing with roommate conflict can be an important lesson, and moving out is a hassle. However, if the situation is burdening you after three months, it may be in both your best interests to consult student housing. You can always talk to your Resident Advisor (RA) and ask for help to resolve conflict. Go ahead and sit in on a few classes of the majors you are seriously considering. Chat with the students in class and ask for their impressions on the major. Also, speak with the professor to ask questions about coursework expectations and major requirements. You may even want to get an internship in a field you are considering. There is no better way to evaluate a field than to get firsthand experience.
Managing Academics During your first year of college you will be juggling many new experiences: new friends, new living situation, new activities, new classes and new teachers. While a lot of these new experiences are exciting, they can challenge your time-management skills and academic adjustment. Even if you balanced a full course load and extracurricular activities in high school, in college you alone are responsible for deciding what your schedule will hold and managing your time accordingly. Set up some structure by giving yourself specific study hours, setting some goals for time management and sticking to them. And, do your best to eat well and get enough sleep.
Captain Judy Rice is an aviation legend. She is best known for circumnavigating the globe in a Citation Mustang while engaging 20,000+ students in 24 countries on her Think Global Flight in 2015. She even broke a world speed record on this flight and was accompanied by astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin for much of the trip.
(L-R) Edwin Sahakian, John Friedman, Buzz Aldrin, and Judy Rice: Burbank, CA to Burbank, CA World Flight 2015
Epic Flight Academy named its library in honor of Captain Judy Rice.
