Sometimes the only answer to a situation is, “No, not this time.” Maybe it applies during a to-minima instrument approach where the ground never appears; maybe while attempting VFR flight toward weather deteriorating into IMC. Often, it should be the first part of the answer to a questionable landing-with the second part of the answer being, “Yes, Im going around.” The high-profile landing accident involving a Hawker Beechcraft Premier IA at EAA 288
What Goes Around Comes Around… Again
Sometimes the only answer to a situation is, "No, not this time." Maybe it applies during a to-minima instrument approach where the ground never appears; maybe while attempting VFR flight toward weather deteriorating into IMC. Often, it should be the first part of the answer to a questionable landing-with the second part of the answer being, "Yes, Im going around." The high-profile landing accident involving a Hawker Beechcraft Premier IA at EAA AirVenture 2010 in Oshkosh, Wis., served to elevate the topic. But venue aside, normal application of the requisite skills and judgment can work there, just as they do elsewhere.
Key Takeaways:
- Go-arounds are a crucial safety decision for pilots facing questionable landings, serving as a successful choice to avoid unsafe situations rather than a failure.
- While essential, go-arounds carry inherent risks, often linked to loss of control during execution, underscoring the importance of proper technique.
- A safe go-around follows a specific, sequential procedure: **P**ower to arrest descent, **P**itch to establish climb, **F**laps retracted incrementally after gaining altitude, and **G**ear stowed (PPFG).
- After a successful go-around, pilots must evaluate the reason for the maneuver and decide whether to re-enter the pattern, divert to another airport, or wait for conditions to improve, considering factors like fuel and alternate airport suitability.
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