Plain English Meaning

Stopping the landing attempt and climbing back up to try again. The pilot adds power, climbs away, and sets up for another approach instead of forcing a bad landing.

Full Definition

A go-around is the immediate decision and procedure to discontinue a landing approach, apply takeoff power, establish a positive climb, and reposition the airplane for another approach or a diversion. It is a normal, planned maneuver — not an emergency — used whenever the approach or landing cannot be safely completed.

Context Anchor

Encountered during approach and landing, especially when the airplane is too high, too fast, too slow, not lined up, sinking too quickly, or the is not .