Go-around
A discontinued approach: the aircraft climbs away instead of landing and repositions for another attempt or diverts.
Definition
A go-around is a standard manoeuvre in which the pilots discontinue an approach — because the runway is not clear, the aircraft is not stable, the weather is below limits or air traffic control instructs it — and climb away to fly a missed approach procedure. It is a trained, routine safety decision and not an emergency, though the sudden power increase and climb can be alarming in the cabin.
What it means for you
In the cabin a go-around feels like a landing that suddenly turns into a take-off. You stay strapped in, you do not move, and the flight deck will call when they can. Your job is to be the calm face for a cabin full of people who think something has gone wrong, and to be ready for a possible diversion if a second approach is not on.
In practice
On a gusty evening approach into Istanbul a Turkish Airlines A321 goes around at 300 feet, flies a circuit and lands eight minutes later; the purser makes a short PA once the captain has confirmed a normal second approach.
Related terms
4 terms- DiversionFlight operationsLanding at an airport other than the planned destination — for weather, a technical fault, fuel or a medical emergency on board.
- Cabin secureSafety & trainingThe crew's confirmation to the flight deck that the cabin is ready for take-off or landing: seatbelts, galleys, exits and crew seated.
- TurbulenceSafety & trainingIrregular air movement that shakes the aircraft — the leading cause of in-flight injury, mostly to unbelted passengers and working crew.
- CaptainRoles & ranksThe pilot in command, legally responsible for the aircraft, everyone on board and every operational decision.