Definition
TOGA is a flight mode, typically activated by a button on the throttle or thrust levers, that commands the autothrottle and flight director to apply takeoff or go-around thrust and pitch guidance. When pressed during takeoff, it sets takeoff thrust and the appropriate climb attitude. When pressed during an approach or missed approach, it commands go-around thrust and pitches the aircraft up to climb away from the approach.
Plain English
A button the pilot presses that tells the aircraft 'apply full power and climb' — used either to take off or to abandon a landing approach and climb back up.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach and missed approach procedures, especially in aircraft with flight directors, autopilots, or automatic thrust systems.
Derivation
The name simply combines the two phases of flight where the mode is used: take-off and go-around. Both require the same basic response from the aircraft — high thrust and a positive climb — so manufacturers built one mode to handle both.
Why Pilots Care
Provides immediate maximum thrust in a go-around to ensure safe climb performance away from terrain or obstacles.
Intuition Check
TOGA does not mean the airplane will automatically fly the entire missed approach. It means the takeoff/go-around guidance mode has been selected; the pilot must still verify what the airplane is doing.
Example Sentence 1
When the runway disappeared into fog at minimums, the captain pressed TOGA and called for the missed approach.
Example Sentence 2
During takeoff, selecting TOGA ensures the engines deliver the required power for a safe departure.