Go-arounds (sometimes called rejected landings) are something of a “forgotten maneuver” for most pilots. I think this is because the go-around is something were taught as a way to fly away from a botched landing. As we gain more experience and get better at landing, we find ourselves needing this escape route less frequently. The psychology of pilots is such that we try to “recover” from our mistakes, so we also tend to try to turn bad landings into good ones with a nudge of the throttle, a tap on the rudder pedal, or a twist of the controls instead of powering up and climbing away for another try. Instructors can fall into the same trap. Failing to see a reason for a go-around in 288
The Forgotten Maneuver
Go-arounds (sometimes called rejected landings) are something of a "forgotten maneuver" for most pilots. I think this is because the go-around is something were taught as a way to fly away from a botched landing. As we gain more experience and get better at landing, we find ourselves needing this escape route less frequently. The psychology of pilots is such that we try to "recover" from our mistakes, so we also tend to try to turn bad landings into good ones with a nudge of the throttle, a tap on the rudder pedal, or a twist of the controls instead of powering up and climbing away for another try. Instructors can fall into the same trap. Failing to see a reason for a go-around in their experienced students landings, they might not require demonstration of a go-around during a flight review or other recurrent training. If the pilot receiving instruction is instrument-rated, the CFI may consider flying a missed approach to be adequate to demonstrate go-around technique. I must admit for a time I was in that camp as well. When was the last time you practiced a go-around? With experience, ego and unenlightened instruction, it may have been a very long time. So what happens on the day something completely outside the span of your expert aircraft control requires you to call off the landing from a point very near (or even on) the ground?
Key Takeaways:
- Go-arounds are a critical but often neglected maneuver by pilots and instructors, who tend to prioritize "recovering" a bad landing over rejecting it, leading to a lack of practice.
- A successful go-around focuses on four key elements in the first 60 seconds: applying full power (including proper mixture), adjusting pitch for obstacle clearance (Vx), managing configuration (gradually retracting flaps and gear), and maintaining alignment.
- Pilots should be aware of advanced go-around techniques like the "sidestep maneuver" for improved visibility and safety, and understand physiological hazards such as the "somatogravic illusion" during night go-arounds, necessitating a strong instrument scan.
- Consistent practice of rejected landings should be integrated into regular flying and recurrent training to ensure proficiency when unexpected situations require a go-around.
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