When should you initiate a go-around during an approach?

When should you initiate a go-around during an approach?

• A. Only if commanded by ATC
• B. Wait until you cross the missed approach waypoint
• C. Initiate if the approach is unstable or runway environment is not adequately configured
• D. After landing

Answer: (C)

The decision to go around during an approach centers on safety: you should initiate a go-around as soon as the approach is not stable or the runway environment isn’t configured for a safe landing. A stabilized approach means your descent path, airspeed, configuration, and sink rate are within limits and you can land safely with the required visual cues. If you evaluate the approach and find you’re not within those criteria or the runway is not properly prepared for landing, continuing is not prudent, so you climb away and reconfigure for another attempt or divert. Relying on ATC alone isn’t correct because safety takes priority and you’re responsible for deciding when to discontinue the approach. Waiting until you cross a missed-approach point isn’t appropriate either; the missed-approach point is meant for when conditions are satisfactory, not a fallback after failing to meet stability criteria. And obviously, performing a go-around after touchdown defeats the purpose of the maneuver.

The decision to go around during an approach centers on safety: you should initiate a go-around as soon as the approach is not stable or the runway environment isn’t configured for a safe landing. A stabilized approach means your descent path, airspeed, configuration, and sink rate are within limits and you can land safely with the required visual cues. If you evaluate the approach and find you’re not within those criteria or the runway is not properly prepared for landing, continuing is not prudent, so you climb away and reconfigure for another attempt or divert.

Relying on ATC alone isn’t correct because safety takes priority and you’re responsible for deciding when to discontinue the approach. Waiting until you cross a missed-approach point isn’t appropriate either; the missed-approach point is meant for when conditions are satisfactory, not a fallback after failing to meet stability criteria. And obviously, performing a go-around after touchdown defeats the purpose of the maneuver.