Go-Around Decision Making
A go-around is one of the most important safety actions a pilot can take, and also one of the most misunderstood.
In reality, a go-around is a planned, trained, and expected maneuver. It’s not something you avoid. It’s something you execute when the situation demands it.
What is a Go-Around?
A go-around is the decision to discontinue the approach and climb away from the runway instead of landing.
It can happen at any point during the approach, from final all the way to the flare.
The key idea is simple:If the landing is not safe, you don’t land.
When Should Pilots Go Around?
The most common reason is an unstable approach.
An approach is considered unstable when:
The aircraft is too fast or too slow
The descent rate is excessive
The aircraft is not properly aligned with the runway
The configuration is not complete (gear, flaps)
Large corrections are required
Standard criteria usually require the aircraft to be stable by:
1000 ft AGL in IMC
500 ft AGL in VMC
If these conditions are not met, the correct decision is a go-around.
Other Situations That Require a Go-Around
Even with a stable approach, pilots must be ready to go around if conditions change:
Runway not clear
Sudden windshear or strong gusts
Loss of visual reference
ATC instruction
System malfunctions
Traffic conflict
A safe landing is not guaranteed until the aircraft is fully stopped.
Why Pilots Hesitate
Despite being a standard procedure, pilots sometimes delay or avoid going around. Common reasons include:
Desire to “salvage” the approach
Pressure to land (time, fuel, schedule)
Overconfidence
Lack of discipline
This hesitation can lead to unstable landings, runway excursions, or hard landings.
The Right Mindset
Professional pilots think differently.
They don’t ask:“Can I still land this?”
They ask:“Is this approach stable and safe?”
If the answer is no, the decision is immediate.
A go-around is not a failure.It is a demonstration of judgment and discipline.
Execution Matters
A go-around must be performed correctly and without hesitation:
Apply go-around thrust
Pitch for a positive climb
Follow missed approach procedures
Communicate with ATC
Reconfigure the aircraft as required
This is a standard maneuver that should feel natural through training.
Many accidents have one thing in common:
The opportunity to go around was there, but not taken.
A safe pilot is not the one who lands every time. It’s the one who knows when not to land.
Because in aviation, the best landing is not always the first one you attempt.