A go-around is a planned safety maneuver in which a pilot stops the landing attempt, adds power, and climbs away from the runway. It is used when the approach is unstable, the runway is blocked, spacing is unsafe, weather changes suddenly, or the aircraft is not configured correctly. In aviation, a go-around is normal and expected, not a failure.
It protects passengers and crew by choosing altitude and time over forcing a risky landing.
During a go-around, thrust increases first, then the aircraft pitches to a climb attitude and accelerates or holds a safe climb speed. Lift must exceed weight enough to create an upward acceleration or at least support a steady climb, while thrust helps overcome drag and build energy. Pilots follow a published missed approach path or air traffic control instructions so the aircraft remains clear of obstacles and other traffic.
The maneuver is a strong example of physics in action because power, lift, drag, weight, speed, and climb angle all change together.
Key Facts
- A go-around begins when the pilot adds thrust and transitions from descent to climb.
- Lift force depends on airspeed, wing area, air density, and angle of attack: L = 0.5ρv^2CL A.
- Weight acts downward and must be balanced or exceeded by lift during the climb: W = mg.
- Net vertical force controls vertical acceleration: ΣFy = ma.
- Climb gradient is the height gained per horizontal distance: climb gradient = altitude gain / horizontal distance.
- A stabilized approach usually requires correct speed, descent rate, runway alignment, aircraft configuration, and checklist completion before landing.
Vocabulary
- Go-around
- A go-around is a maneuver in which an aircraft discontinues a landing approach, adds power, and climbs away for another attempt or a new clearance.
- Final approach
- Final approach is the last straight or nearly straight segment of flight toward the runway before landing.
- Thrust
- Thrust is the forward force produced by engines or propellers that helps the aircraft accelerate and climb.
- Climb gradient
- Climb gradient is the ratio of altitude gained to horizontal distance traveled during a climb.
- Missed approach
- A missed approach is a published or assigned procedure that guides an aircraft safely away from the runway after a landing is not completed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking a go-around means the pilot made a mistake is wrong because it is a routine safety choice used whenever landing conditions are not acceptable.
- Waiting too long to add power is wrong because the aircraft may lose airspeed and altitude margin near the ground.
- Pulling the nose up sharply without enough airspeed is wrong because too much angle of attack can reduce airflow over the wing and lead to a stall.
- Ignoring the missed approach path is wrong because that path is designed to keep the aircraft clear of terrain, obstacles, and other traffic.
Practice Questions
- 1 An aircraft climbs 600 ft while traveling 2.0 nautical miles horizontally during a go-around. What is its climb gradient in ft per nautical mile?
- 2 A 70,000 kg aircraft begins a go-around. What is its weight in newtons if g = 9.8 m/s^2?
- 3 A runway vehicle appears ahead just as an aircraft is aligned and close to landing. Explain why adding power and climbing away is safer than trying to continue the landing.