Definition
A go-around, also called a rejected landing, is the procedure of discontinuing an approach to landing and returning the airplane to a climb in order to fly the traffic pattern again or depart the area. It involves applying takeoff power, establishing a positive climb attitude, retracting flaps and landing gear on a planned schedule, and re-entering the pattern or departing as needed.
Plain English
If the landing isn't going to work out safely, the pilot stops trying to land, adds power, climbs away, and either tries again or goes somewhere else.
Context Anchor
Used during landing practice, traffic pattern work, instrument approaches, and any real landing where the airplane is not in a safe position to continue.
Derivation
“Go-around” comes from the idea of going around the traffic pattern again instead of landing on that attempt. “Rejected landing” means the pilot has decided not to accept or continue that landing.
Why Pilots Care
A prompt go-around prevents runway overruns, hard landings, and collisions by placing safety above the desire to complete the landing.
Grounding Statement
A go-around is the safe choice to leave the landing attempt while there is still time and space to climb away.
Intuition Check
A go-around is not a failure or an emergency by itself. It is a normal, expected pilot action when continuing the landing would be less safe than climbing away.
Example Sentence 1
When the airplane ahead was slow to clear the runway, the pilot announced a go-around, applied full power, and climbed back into the traffic pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors require students to practice go-arounds from various altitudes to develop the habit of rejecting unstable approaches.