Definition
A go around is a discontinued approach to landing in which the pilot aborts the landing attempt, applies power, and climbs away to either re-enter the traffic pattern or fly the published missed approach procedure. It is initiated whenever the approach or landing cannot be safely completed.
Plain English
Stopping the landing attempt, adding power, and climbing back up so you can try again or fly somewhere else.
Context Anchor
Seen on approach procedures, flight displays, autopilot or flight director controls, and in helicopter flight manual procedures or limitations for approach and landing.
Derivation
The phrase 'go around' means literally to go around again — to break off the approach and come back for another try. The abbreviation G/A is used in flight manuals and charts to save space.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents an unstable or unsafe landing and keeps the aircraft in a controlled climb until a new plan is made.
Intuition Check
Do not read go around as simply flying in a circle or going around an object. In aviation, it means stopping the landing attempt and climbing away under control.
Example Sentence 1
When the aircraft ahead was slow to clear the runway, the tower instructed the pilot to go around.
Example Sentence 2
ATC told the helicopter to go around after reporting traffic still on the helipad.