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Mastering the Go-Around

Knowing when to say enough during an approach is an important decision pilots need to train for. Illustration by Brian Christie Design
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots often lack the proficiency and decision-making skills for successful go-arounds, stemming from inadequate and unrealistic training, a stigma against the maneuver, and vague standards for when to initiate one.
  • This deficiency is a significant safety risk, as numerous accidents demonstrate that delaying or improperly executing a go-around, often due to automation misunderstandings or rushing, can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
  • To enhance aviation safety, go-arounds must be recognized as a normal flight segment requiring comprehensive, realistic training in varied scenarios, focusing on methodical execution and clear "go/no-go" criteria for stabilized approaches.
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Think about all of the decisions a pilot makes every moment he or she is in command — choices that must fit together just so to ensure a safe flight. Sometimes the choices are simple, like correcting for a gusty crosswind in a light trainer. Other times they’re considerably more challenging, like successfully controlling an airliner when the electric trim goes nuts. Of course, there are thousands more decisions in between these extremes.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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