Definition
A go-around is the maneuver in which a pilot discontinues a landing approach, applies power, and climbs away from the runway to re-enter the traffic pattern for another approach. It is performed when conditions for a safe landing are not met — for example, an unstable approach, runway obstruction, traffic conflict, wind shift, or instructor direction during training.
Plain English
Stopping a landing attempt, climbing back up, and coming around to try the landing again.
Context Anchor
You will encounter go-arounds during landing practice, traffic pattern work, unstable approaches, runway conflicts, or anytime a landing no longer looks safe or suitable.
Derivation
The term is literal: the pilot does not land but instead 'goes around' the traffic pattern again to set up a new approach. The plain phrasing has stuck because it accurately describes the physical path the aircraft flies.
Why Pilots Care
It is the standard way to reject an unsafe or unstable approach and avoid runway incidents.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a go-around as a mistake or a failed landing. It is a normal safety decision: if the landing is not right, climb away and try again.
Example Sentence 1
When the aircraft ahead was slow to clear the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around and rejoined the traffic pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Strong gusts on short final led the instructor to call for a go-around.