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What is a go-around?
Built from 5 sources
THE ANSWERMostly confirmed40 sec read

A go-around is a routine and safe aviation maneuver where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt and climbs away from the runway.1 This procedure allows the aircraft to make another approach or receive further instructions.1

Below, part by part, what the sources say and where it comes from.

HOW SURE IS THIS
  • 014 sourcesPrimary source
  • 021 sourceOne source
  • 034 sources4 sources
  • Primary source: FAA: Go arounds explained1
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THE ANSWER IN 3 PARTS · 1 LEFT OUT, NO SOURCE

01

What it is

Primary source

A go-around is a routine and safe aviation maneuver where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt and climbs away from the runway.1 This procedure allows the aircraft to make another approach or receive further instructions.1 A go-around can be initiated by the pilot or requested by air traffic control (ATC) for various reasons.2 It is considered a normal and expected outcome in aviation, representing good decision-making rather than a mistake.34

4 sources
02

Key figures

One source

Studies show that only about 3% to 5% of unstable approaches result in a go-around.4 This means that 95% to 97% of unstable approaches continue to land.4

1 source
03

Context and background

4 sources

Go-arounds are procedures pilots should know for simulator assessment preparation.3 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends a go-around if an approach is unstabilized at 500 feet for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights or at 1,000 feet for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights.2 Reasons for a go-around include an unstabilized approach, an obstruction on the runway, poor weather, or traffic conflicts.2 The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a safety notice in August 2026, stating that continuing an unstable approach to land is 80 to 100 times more likely to result in an adverse event.4 Go-around requirements, including those for CAT II and CAT III, are covered in the landing chapter of Getting to Grips with Aircraft Performance.5

4 sources
ALSO ASKED AS
Go-around
AIRCRAFT

What is a go-around?

Built from 5 sources
THE ANSWERMostly confirmed40 sec read

A go-around is a routine and safe aviation maneuver where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt and climbs away from the runway.1 This procedure allows the aircraft to make another approach or receive further instructions.1

HOW SURE IS THIS
  • 014 sourcesPrimary source
  • 021 sourceOne source
  • 034 sources4 sources
  • Primary source: FAA: Go arounds explained1
Was this useful?

THE ANSWER IN 3 PARTS · 1 LEFT OUT, NO SOURCE

01

What it is

Primary source

A go-around is a routine and safe aviation maneuver where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt and climbs away from the runway.1 This procedure allows the aircraft to make another approach or receive further instructions.1 A go-around can be initiated by the pilot or requested by air traffic control (ATC) for various reasons.2 It is considered a normal and expected outcome in aviation, representing good decision-making rather than a mistake.34

4 sources
02

Key figures

One source

Studies show that only about 3% to 5% of unstable approaches result in a go-around.4 This means that 95% to 97% of unstable approaches continue to land.4

1 source
03

Context and background

4 sources

Go-arounds are procedures pilots should know for simulator assessment preparation.3 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends a go-around if an approach is unstabilized at 500 feet for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights or at 1,000 feet for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights.2 Reasons for a go-around include an unstabilized approach, an obstruction on the runway, poor weather, or traffic conflicts.2 The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a safety notice in August 2026, stating that continuing an unstable approach to land is 80 to 100 times more likely to result in an adverse event.4 Go-around requirements, including those for CAT II and CAT III, are covered in the landing chapter of Getting to Grips with Aircraft Performance.5

4 sources
How this answer was made · 5 sources
ALSO ASKED AS
Go-around
WHERE THIS COMES FROM5 sources
  1. 1FAA: Go arounds explainedSource document · 1 fact
  2. 2pilotinstitute.com: How to perform a go aroundFlight school page · 2 facts
  3. 3Simulator assessment preparationOur guide · Guide on PilotinQ
  4. 4ainonline.com: Ainsight go arounds are normal and expected outcomeReference page · 2 facts
  5. 5What is Getting to Grips with Aircraft Performance?Our guide · Answer on PilotinQ

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