The Art of Landing: Understanding Go-Arounds in Aviation

Aviation is fraught with precision and vigilance, and a critical component of this is the ability to make split-second decisions when necessary. One such decision that pilots face is the go-around. This article delves into the reasons behind go-arounds, personal experiences of pilots, and the procedures involved in this crucial maneuver.

The Decision to Go-Around

A go-around, or a missed approach, is a critical procedure in aviation where the pilot decides not to land the aircraft and initiates a climb to reassess the landing conditions. This decision is made in real-time and requires a high level of skill, judgment, and experience. There are specific situations that trigger a go-around, including off-center landing approaches, issues with the landing gear, and other system failures.

Personal Experiences of Go-Arounds

As a pilot with extensive experience, I have encountered several instances where a go-around was necessary. In one memorable incident, a malfunctioning throttle cable led to a jammed throttle during a landing attempt on a short runway. Fortunately, the issue resolved during the second attempt, allowing for a safe landing.

Missed Approaches in Alaskan and Weather Conditions

Over the course of my flying career, which spans over 30 years, I have encountered numerous instances where a go-around was required during instrument approaches. These situations often arise in areas with notoriously bad weather, such as Alaska and the North Atlantic. In these conditions, the decision to abort an approach is made when the runway environment is not visible at the decision point.

In another situation, while flying small bush planes, I conducted about six go-arounds in 40 years. These occurred mainly due to runway incursions, often caused by animals such as cows, moose, and caribou. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of terrain and wildlife in remote flying conditions.

Go-Arounds in Military and Business Jets

Both military and business jets have their own set of go-around scenarios. In military flying, a go-around was required when another aircraft delayed their takeoff, leaving only a short margin for the plane to clear the runway. The situation was critical and required immediate action.

In one instance, while flying a Learjet 23 into a ranch strip, a front-end loader entered the runway at the last possible moment. The low-level approach resulted in hitting tree branches, which was both terrifying and loud. Fortunately, the plane sustained only minor damage, losing one antenna in the process.

Lessons from the Cockpit

Reflecting on the numerous go-arounds I have been involved in, it is clear that these incidents can be both a relief and a heart-pounding experience. In one particularly memorable instance during my private pilot training, my instructor asked me to do a go-around despite not seeing a cow on the runway as I was instructed. This test of trust and compliance in the cockpit remains a unique memory.

Experience Counts

Pilots with significant experience have reported that go-arounds are less common due to their honed skills in recognizing and addressing issues before landing. However, as one pilot noted, they have only decided to leave the pattern at a small uncontrolled airfield in Hollister, CA, when another pilot’s repeated aborts raised concerns about his ability to prioritize safety.

Overall, the ability to make a go-around is a testament to the training, experience, and professionalism of pilots. These decisions, while potentially frightening, are crucial for maintaining safety during flight operations.