When Conducting a Go-Around, the Pilot Must Be Aware That…
A go-around is a critical phase of flight, requiring the pilot to quickly and effectively recover from a rejected landing or an instrument approach. When conducting a go-around, the pilot must be aware of several factors to ensure a safe and successful outcome. In this article, we will explore the key considerations and challenges that pilots face during a go-around.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances
Before conducting a go-around, pilots must receive clearance from ATC. This clearance is essential to ensure that the pilot has permission to climb and retract the landing gear. Pilots must be aware that ATC clearances may be delayed or unclear, and they must be prepared to respond accordingly.
- Example: "Cleared for the go-around, but climb to 1,500 feet first."
- Important: Pilots must carefully read and understand ATC clearances to avoid confusion and ensure a safe climb.
Runway State and Obstacles
Pilots must be aware of the runway state and any obstacles that may be present. This includes:
- Runway condition: Is the runway wet, slippery, or contaminated?
- Obstacles: Are there any obstacles on the runway or surrounding area that could affect the go-around?
Runway slope: Is the runway sloping upward or downward?
Table: Runway Conditions and Obstacles Runway Condition Obstacles Runway Slope Wet Trees, debris Upward Slippery Fences, buildings Downward Contaminated Power lines, antenna Flat
Aircraft Performance
Pilots must be aware of their aircraft’s performance capabilities during a go-around. This includes:
- Climb rate: How quickly can the aircraft climb?
- Rate of descent: How quickly can the aircraft descend?
Aircraft configuration: Is the aircraft configured for takeoff or landing?
- Important: Pilots must adjust their climb rate and aircraft configuration according to the aircraft’s performance capabilities.
Navigation and Communication
Pilots must be aware of their navigation and communication systems during a go-around. This includes:
- Navigation: Are the navigation systems functioning correctly?
Communication: Are the communication systems functioning correctly?
- Important: Pilots must verify their navigation and communication systems before conducting a go-around.
Visual Reference
Pilots must be aware of their visual references during a go-around. This includes:
- Runway alignment: Is the aircraft aligned with the runway?
Altitude: Is the aircraft at the correct altitude?
- Important: Pilots must maintain visual reference with the runway and surrounding area to ensure a safe climb.
Control and Coordination
Pilots must be aware of their control and coordination during a go-around. This includes:
- Control inputs: Are the control inputs smooth and deliberate?
Coordination: Are the pilot and co-pilot coordinated during the go-around?
- Important: Pilots must maintain control and coordination to ensure a safe and successful go-around.
Emergency Procedures
Pilots must be aware of emergency procedures during a go-around. This includes:
- Engine failure: What procedures should be followed in the event of engine failure?
System failure: What procedures should be followed in the event of system failure?
- Important: Pilots must be prepared to respond to emergency situations during a go-around.
Training and Experience
Pilots must be aware of their training and experience during a go-around. This includes:
- Training: Have they received adequate training on go-around procedures?
Experience: Do they have sufficient experience with go-arounds?
- Important: Pilots must be confident in their ability to conduct a go-around and have adequate training and experience.
In conclusion, when conducting a go-around, pilots must be aware of several factors to ensure a safe and successful outcome. These factors include air traffic control clearances, runway state and obstacles, aircraft performance, navigation and communication, visual reference, control and coordination, emergency procedures, and training and experience. By understanding and addressing these factors, pilots can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and successful go-around.
