Sometimes commercial passengers go through unexpected twists and turns, like suddenly taking off just before landing. Such is the case of “go-around,” a safety procedure of routine practice by pilots, and nothing to worry about. As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would put it, Go-arounds are common and part of an ensured safety procedure for both passengers and crew.
What Is a Go-Around?
A go-around is an event during which an airplane gives up its approach to landing, returning instead to the air, with the intention of trying again. Sometimes the pilot or air traffic control (ATC) may call for this event for the following reasons:
- Unstable Approach: If the speed, rate of descent, or alignment with the runway of the aircraft are outside parameters safe enough for landing, a go-around affords an opportunity to try the approach again under the best conditions possible.
- Cleared Runway: If there are other aircraft, vehicles, animals, or debris on the runway, a go-around may be necessary to avoid possible collision.
- Weather Conditions: Changes in wind, visibility, or wind shear can happen at any time, making the condition of landing unsafe, and therefore a go-around may be warranted.
- Orders by Traffic Control: An Order may also be given by ATC for an aircraft to go-around for safe clearance between them, mainly under congested traffic arrangements or in cases where previous departures have delayed leaving the runway.
Frequency and Safety of Go-Arounds
Though go-arounds are not very common, they are an ordinary aspect of flying operations. As per aviation professionals, go-arounds take place around 1 to 3 per 1,000 approaches. Pilots undergo intensive training to safely and effectively execute this procedure. The procedure ensures that safety is given the top priority, where pilots can reconsider and re-land in improved circumstances.
Experience of Passengers During a Go-Around
For passengers, a go-around may be a surprise and is capable of bringing temporary discomfort. In most cases, the aircraft will climb and could orbit around the airport or along a predefined flight route before attempting another landing. Pilots normally notify passengers of the issue, stating the cause of the maneuver and the assurance of their safety.
Recent Instances and Protocols
In recent years, there have been cases that have underlined the value of go-arounds. One instance is where an American Airlines aircraft on a landing approach at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport made a go-around to clear a departing aircraft that was on the same runway. These actions indicate the value of standard procedures in ensuring safety.
Go-arounds are a demonstration of the dedication of the aviation sector to safety. They are preventive actions that guarantee landings under the best possible circumstances. Passengers may take reassurance in knowing that such operations are standard, extensively practiced, and carried out with their safety being the highest concern.
