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Rejected Landings & Go Arounds

Introduction:

  • The traffic pattern provides standardized flow of aircraft transitioning between the approach and landing phases of flight
  • This standard flow allows for predictability in an otherwise extremely dangerous environment
  • The traffic pattern is the ultimate goal which began with the rectangular course with many hazards
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WARNING:
All procedures are GENERALIZED.
Always fly per Pilot Operating Handbook procedures,
observing any relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Dangers:

  • During a rejected landing/go-around, you're low, slow, and configured for landing (high drag)
  • As you add power you're going to start accelerating
    • This takes some time as you've got a lot of drag to fight with a rate of descent to arrest and then reverse
    • Additionally, as engine power increases, the nose will also increase in pitch, risking stall
  • Focus on staying on centerline in case you touch down
  • As you climb, you will start to feel the left turning tendencies
  • With a positive rate of climb you will want to clean up the aircraft
  • Remember that flaps increase lift, and raising those flaps therefore reduce it
  • Follow procedures and do not cause the aircraft to stall
  • Uncomfortable pilots (new airplane, new airport, new airspace) are especially vulnerable to the spike in blood pressure or stress when unexpected go-around instructions are received

Go-Arounds:

  • Always give yourself a decision point whereby a go-around shall be executed, and past which you've conceded to a botched landing
    • Do not fly on hopes you have the performance, your charts know the answer ahead of time
  • Consider the left turning tendencies associated with adding full power
  • Fly your airspeeds, resist the urge to pull away from the earth even if that means touching the runway briefly
  • Avoid abrupt bank or pitch changes
  • Manage flap and gear positions, do not immediately retract either, don't forget to retract them all together

Case Studies:

Rejected Landings and Go Arounds Airman Certification Standards:

Conclusion:

  • Consider practicing maneuvers on a flight simulator to introduce yourself to maneuvers or knock off rust
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References: