A go-around is a maneuver which consits of interrupting an approach to land and fly a safe procedure so as to get in position to start a new approach or fly to a different airport. There is no improvisation in flying a go-around. Pilots have all the necessary information to fly such a manoeuver correctly. Aircraft manufacturers publish checklists, which usually are like nose-up, apply power, clean-up the aircraft by retracting gear and flaps, and maintain climb speed and power. I know there is a long discussion about the sequence, is it nose-up then power or power then nose-up but it’s not the topic here.

The published approach procedures also include the go-around procedure. It’s usually a climb to a certain altitude, then a turn towards a beacon from which a second approach can be started. These procedures are very similar to departure procedures. The aircraft procedures are designed to offer maximum climb performance and the flying procedures to avoid terrain and other flows of traffic.

Crews are familiar with go-around procedures. They practice them on a regular basis in simulator to know how to fly the aircraft. The approach briefing conducted before each and every approach systematically includes a review of the go-around routing and altitudes. A go-around is not part of each flight but it can’t be considered an abnormal thing.

The decision to interrupt the approach can be taken at any time, even few seconds before touchdown. This decision can be taking by the crew for different reasons:

• Runway not in sight at the minimum altitude
• Unstable approach, incorrect speed or altitude, or too much deviation from the prescribed track
• Obstructed runway
• No landing clearance received
• Sudden wind change

Air traffic controllers can also command the crew to go-around, mostly for the same reasons:

• Obstructed runway
• Conflicting traffic
• Insufficient separation with preceding, or following aircraft

Air traffic controllers can also modify the procedure and instruct the crew to fly a give heading or climb to another altitude.

I can’t explain enough how standard such procedures are. I flew a lot of them myself, for training and sometimes because an approach just looked bad. I also experienced it twice as airline passenger and while it’s a strange feeling, it’s no drama. Julien published a good post on his blog about his first go-around as airline passenger. Let me say it again: a go-around is a well-prepared procedure and is always a safe decision if you consider the altrenative…

Why do I insist that much ? Because I saw (again) media reports after an event which lead to a go-around of a Boeing 747. Nothing wrong in talking about the event, but there is no need for words like “Hundreds of lives threatened” or “Panic over the airport”. Please.

Thank you for your attention, and have a safe go-around.