Go-around Procedure

Introduction

Missed approach is recognized as one of the flight phases with the highest risk of accidents.There are several contributing factors:

• Pilots, after extended duty periods, may not anticipate a go-around and could hesitate to execute it.

• Concerns over justifying the missed approach to company management may pressure pilots into continuing an unstable approach.

• Missed approaches generally occur in adverse weather conditions; when combined with an unstable approach, the maneuver can quickly become hazardous.

As a missed approach is performed at low altitude and low airspeed, proper training is critical. Aviation safety authorities therefore recommend that pilots frequently review go-around procedures and practice them regularly in simulators.

Types of Missed Approach Execution

Missed approach execution varies depending on the type of approach:

1. Single Autopilot Approach — Go-Around Procedure

• Decision to go around: Press TOGA.

• Autopilot: Disengage immediately.

• Flight Director (FD): Commands a 15° nose-up pitch.

• Aircraft Control: Pilot continues manually.

• Flight Path: Follow FD guidance.

• Flap Setting: Call for "Flaps 15."

• Thrust Setting: Call "Set Go-Around Thrust," and the PM (Pilot Monitoring) adjusts thrust levers accordingly.

• MCP (Mode Control Panel): The SPEED window closes automatically.

• Pitch Command: FD commands a pitch attitude to maintain Flap Maneuvering Speed.

• Gear Retraction: Upon confirming a positive rate of climb, call "Gear Up."

• At 400 feet AGL:

  • Select ROLL MODE.

  • Choose either LNAV or HDG SEL, depending on clearance or procedure.

• At 1500 feet AGL:

  • If no turn is required, select "Flaps 5."

  • AFDS starts accelerating the aircraft according to the flap setting.

  • Monitor the magenta bug movement on the airspeed indicator; adjust pitch per FD guidance.

• Subsequent Flap Retraction:

  • Select "Flaps 1" when appropriate.

  • Then select "Flaps Up."

• Checklist: Perform the After Takeoff Checklist.

• Level-Off and Transition:

  • As the missed approach altitude is approached, press LEVEL CHANGE.

  • The AFDS exits Go-Around Mode and reopens the SPEED window.

• Navigation: Ensure compliance with the published Missed Approach procedure or ATC instructions.

2. Dual Autopilot Approach — Go-Around Procedure

• Upon pressing TOGA, both autopilots remain engaged.

• The AFDS automatically flies the Missed Approach procedure.

• The PF (Pilot Flying) is responsible for:

  • Retracting flaps sequentially at appropriate speeds and altitudes.

• Upon reaching the missed approach altitude:

  • Disconnect one autopilot, reverting to single autopilot operation.

3. Single-Engine Go-Around Procedure

• Flap Configuration: Approach conducted with Flaps 15.

• TOGA Activation:

  • Upon pressing TOGA, select "Flaps 1."

• Thrust Management:

  • Initial TOGA press provides Reduced Go-Around Thrust (climb rate ~1000–2000 fpm).

  • If necessary, a second press of TOGA engages Full Go-Around Thrust.

• This thrust setting is typically sufficient for a safe climb profile under single-engine conditions.

Summary

Executing a missed approach demands decisive action, strict adherence to procedures, and thorough familiarity with aircraft systems.Regular simulator training and procedural review are essential to maintaining proficiency and ensuring flight safety during this critical phase.