When Should a Pilot Initiate a Go-Around?

Knowing how and when to commence he maneuver is like an art form.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Go-arounds, also called a ‘balked landing,’ are part of all pilot training. [Credit: FLYING Archive]

Key Takeaways:

A pilot should initiate a go-around if the approach is unstable (e.g., incorrect configuration, off-speed, too high/low, or not aligned with the centerline) or remains unstable below critical altitudes (500 feet VFR, 1000 feet IFR).
Go around if there are any obstructions on the runway, such as other aircraft, vehicles, people, or animals, assuming they will not clear in time.
Never attempt to salvage a poor approach unless it is a dire emergency; always prioritize safety by executing the go-around procedure ("ups": pitch up, power up, clean up, heat up, and fess up).

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: When should a pilot initiate a go-around? I am a student pilot and I know enough to go around if the tower tells me to or the CFI I am flying with tells me to, but what do I do when I am flying solo at a nontowered airport?

Answer: If you are behind the airplane, meaning the aircraft isn’t properly configured (on speed, flaps down, and landing gear down), or too high, too low, or not lined up on the centerline, going around is a good aeronautical decision. Unless it is an emergency and landing must be made now, never try to salvage a poor approach.