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:

Pilots should initiate a go-around whenever an approach is unstable due to incorrect aircraft configuration (speed, flaps, gear), or if the aircraft is too high, too low, or not aligned with the runway centerline.
A go-around is also mandatory if there are any obstructions on the runway, such as other aircraft, vehicles, people, or animals, as one should never assume they will clear.
The go-around procedure prioritizes pitching up and applying full power to climb away safely, followed by cleaning up the aircraft and notifying other pilots once control is established.

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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.