Civil aviation
Advice for pilots on performing an effective go around decision making process during unstable approach scenarios.
A practical, scenario-based guide to conducting disciplined, timely go around decisions under instability, focusing on crew coordination, mindset, instrument interpretation, and structured procedures to reduce risk and improve safety.
Published by
David Rivera
July 19, 2025 - 3 min Read
As approaches become unstable, pilots face a split-second choice between landing and executing a go around. The decision should be grounded in a clear, rehearsed plan that emphasizes priority management, stabilization checks, and the assurance that the flight path remains controllable. Preparation starts long before the final approach, with standard operating procedures that define when a go around is mandatory and how crew roles shift during the maneuver. In unstable conditions, the emphasis is on preserving flight attitude, maintaining a positive rate of climb, and avoiding over-controlling the aircraft. A calm, deliberate mental framework is essential to prevent impulsive actions and maintain situational awareness.
The decision process hinges on recognizing trigger cues that signal instability. These cues include deviation from the approach path beyond specified tolerances, excessive sink rate, high sink rate combined with a rock-solid nose attitude, and limited time to establish a stabilized approach. Early recognition allows the crew to execute a smooth transition to go around without dramatic inputs. A successful go around requires clear communication and defined callouts that confirm the decision, the intention to retract flaps, and the target climb performance. By training to respond to alert conditions, pilots can minimize decision delays caused by surprise or fatigue.
Clear triggers and coordinated actions sustain safe, smooth go around.
The first critical step is to initiate the go around with a calm, decisive input that sets the tone for the crew. Avoiding temptations to chase a landing when the airplane cannot be controlled creates a safer trajectory. Establishing the appropriate pitch, power, and configuration is the foundation of a smooth transition. The flight deck should keep the workload balanced by assigning tasks clearly—one pilot handling propulsion while the other manages pitch and trim. Throughout the maneuver, monitor engine parameters and airspeed to prevent inadvertent over-speed or stall risks. A steady climb angle with positive acceleration demonstrates the capability to regain control and secure a stable flight path.
After initiating the go around, continuous stabilization is crucial. The pilots should verify that the corrected flight path meets the noise abatement constraints and obstacle clearance, while maintaining obstacle clearance at all altitudes. Trim adjustments should be incremental to avoid overshoot, and the autopilot can be used to maintain a precise flight path when appropriate. Communicate status updates frequently to the crew, and remind each other of the anticipated configuration changes at each milestone. If the approach becomes uncertain, revert to a known safe configuration and re-establish confidence in the aircraft’s performance. Documentation of actions helps maintain traceability for post-flight review.
Mastery of cockpit communication and action sequences under pressure.
In quickly evolving situations, teamwork becomes the backbone of a successful go around. The pilot monitoring should anticipate control demands and prepare to take over if the lead indicates any loss of control authority. This requires disciplined use of checklists and a robust handover process. The crew should verbalize expectations for airspeed, vertical speed, and target altitude, ensuring everyone is aligned. If weather or runway conditions worsen, the team must adapt the decision criteria and maintain a safe distance from obstacles. By rehearsing failed-approach scenarios, crews foster muscle memory for rapid, accurate commands, reducing cognitive strain during actual events.
The role of automation during a go around is nuanced. Automation can stabilize the flight path, but pilots must remain proficient at manual control in case of system failure or unexpected deviations. Understanding autothrottle engagement, flight director cues, and mode awareness helps prevent disorientation. It’s essential to verify that the Go Around mode activates properly and that pitch attitude, thrust, and flight path vector align with the intended climb. If automation conflicts with the desired outcome, pilots should disengage selectively and assume direct control to maintain airspeed and pitch integrity.
Structured procedures ensure reliability during high-stress go arounds.
When unstable approaches occur, establish a robust callout framework that eliminates ambiguity. Standardize phrases such as “Go around,” “Flaps up,” and “Climb now” to minimize misinterpretation. The timing of these callouts matters as much as their content; delays can cascade into unsafe situations. Team briefings prior to arrival should address go around thresholds, stabilization criteria, and decision points. The crew should practice how to escalate concerns respectfully but firmly if any member perceives diminishing aircraft performance. Clear, concise language combined with assertive leadership reduces confusion and accelerates an effective reversal from descent to climb.
Beyond verbal communication, instrument cross-checks are vital to ensure the crew has a coherent picture of the airplane’s state. Compare indicated airspeed with engine parameters, confirm attitude with multiple sources, and verify vertical and lateral deviations relative to the flight plan. If the aircraft shows signs of structural or aerodynamic stress, the crew should prioritize a controlled pull and verify that the climb angle preserves maneuver margins. Documentation of observed anomalies during the go around supports later analysis and helps identify potential refinements to training programs and SOPs.
Continuous learning and scenario practice fortify decision making.
A robust go around procedure begins with a precise, practiced checklist that covers configuration, power settings, and gear status. The checklist should be designed to minimize entry barriers during stressful moments, allowing pilots to execute it smoothly while maintaining situational awareness. During the transition, the crew must confirm that the landing gear remains retracted or retracted as required and that flaps are configured for climb performance. The discipline of following the checklist, even when busy, reduces the chance of missing critical steps and promotes a consistent response across different flight decks.
As the aircraft ascends from the approach, pilots must reassess and confirm the new flight path. This includes reestablishing a stabilized climb, adjusting thrust to maintain a safe acceleration, and reconfiguring for the missed approach or alternative landing strategy. If weather phenomena complicate the climb, the team should adjust routing, speed targets, and altitude constraints in a coordinated manner. The go around becomes a repeatable workflow, allowing crews to gain confidence with repeated exposure and reduce the likelihood of hesitation in subsequent attempts.
Training on go around decision making should emphasize deliberate practice with realistic scenarios. Simulators can reproduce wind shear, gusts, and slippery runway conditions, enabling crews to experience the cognitive load of an unstable approach without real-world risk. Debrief sessions are essential for extracting lessons learned, focusing on decision timestamps, communication efficacy, and procedural adherence. Instructors should challenge pilots with rare but high-consequence contingencies to build resilience and adaptability. A culture of continuous improvement ensures crews evolve toward faster, safer responses, even under fatigue or time pressure.
In the end, the objective is to preserve life and minimize risk through disciplined, systematic action. The go around decision making process must be anchored in a shared mental model, practiced procedures, and unwavering discipline. By integrating scenario-based training, robust crew coordination, and effective use of automation, pilots can optimize their responses to unstable approaches. The result is a higher probability of successful recoveries, reduced inadvertent landings, and safer operations across all weather and runway conditions. Continuous focus on communication, configuration management, and flight path discipline is what ultimately sustains confidence in go around capabilities.
