AIRCRAFT GO-AROUND MANEUVER

One question that is frequently asked in aviation circles about piloting issue is as to why a go-around was not carried out when the approach was unstable.

 Looking at the data that is out there, the stats point out that only 2-3% of the unstabilised approaches end in a go-around.Well then, the questions that are being asked about go-arounds seem justified and needs an in-depth look at various facets as to why it is so.

What is it that makes a well trained and proficient crew shy away from conducting a go-around on the approach when it is required so??

Normal go-arounds without any failure are the least practiced maneuvers by the crew and they tend into get into the area of Conscious-Incompetent, wherein they have the knowledge of conducting the maneuver, but have become rusty in skill due to not been able to have the opportunity to practice one in the simulator or the aircraft.

Hence, when the situation develops to consider a go-around, decision making may tilt towards trying to recover the flight path and salvage the unstable approach rather than a clear decisive go-around being executed.Pilots generally being mission oriented, go-arounds are looked at as a failure on one’s part to be able to continue approach and land. Go-around is sometimes perceived by pilots as their inability to get things done and complete the mission.

Also another aspect that contributes to making pilots push the threshold and carry on the approach despite moving towards instability is the fact that in the past similar scenario was managed and recovered and approach was continued in stable conditions. It is this expectation based on previous experience that make’s one believe that they can pull it off again.So what can be done to ensure effective decision-making and execution of go-around occurs when warranted by conditions??

Conducting a good briefing on the go-around is essential as it brings the crew into loop as to what can be expected from each other and better equip and appraise them on the procedure flow. Briefing needs to include not only the part about the flight path during a go-around, but also have the tasks pertaining to go-around maneuver for each crew discussed threadbare.

A well executed go-around maneuver is something like a synchronized swimming amongst a team.

Crew need to adequately trained and equipped to not to succumb to land it at any cost syndrome.

As there is an adage which says “CHANGE THE MISSION”, which sums up very well to make crew move away from unsafe to safe zone when the approach is unstable.

Good training practices, procedures and curriculum, along with good CRM skills  and task sharing, will equip and help crew to conduct an effective go-around.

Do you have any opinion on how best this go-around issue can be tackled?? Kindly send in your comments to enhance the discussion