A missed approach go around can feel unsettling when you’re not expecting it. The engines power up, the aircraft climbs again instead of landing, and you might wonder—what went wrong? Here’s the truth: go-arounds are a normal, planned procedure, practiced by pilots constantly. They’re not emergencies. In fact, they’re a sign of good decision-making and a strong commitment to safety.
Understanding why they happen—and how pilots handle them—can transform this moment from alarming to reassuring.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Missed Approach Go Around?
A missed approach go around happens when a pilot decides not to land and instead continues flying, usually climbing and circling for another attempt or rerouting. This decision can happen for several reasons: reduced visibility, traffic on the runway, an unstable approach, or any signs that the landing isn’t perfectly aligned and safe.
Think of it like pulling back into traffic when parallel parking if the spot is tighter than expected. Pilots would rather try again than take a chance—and that’s exactly what you want when safety is the top priority.
Why It Feels Worrying—And Why It Shouldn’t
The sudden increase in engine noise, the climb, and the unexpected change in direction can all create a jarring sensory shift. Your body may react before your mind can make sense of it. That’s normal.
The key to calming this response is knowing that nothing has gone wrong. In aviation, accepting a less-than-perfect approach is never acceptable. Pilots are trained to go around rather than land in less-than-optimal conditions.
In this case, the surprising part is not the go-around itself—it’s that passengers aren’t warned in advance. But this isn’t neglect. It’s because the maneuver is so standard, like changing lanes on a highway. Safe, smooth, expected.
From the Flight Deck: What Pilots and Controllers Do During a Go Around
When a missed approach go around is initiated, the pilots follow a strictly defined procedure. The thrust is increased, the aircraft pitches upward, and specific instructions—called the missed approach procedure—are immediately followed. These are practiced hundreds of times in simulators and are second nature to flight crews.
Meanwhile, air traffic control coordinates airspace so the new trajectory is clear. Everyone—from the cockpit to the control tower—is fully prepared for this situation. It’s routine coordination across experienced professionals.
One captain explained it best: ‘Going around isn’t a failure—it’s success in recognizing when conditions aren’t right.’
One Common Myth: That Go-Arounds Signal Danger
Many fear that a missed approach go around means something is failing or malfunctioning. That’s simply not true. In fact, more than 98% of go-arounds are due to non-critical factors like weather variability, visibility shifts, or traffic spacing.
No smoke, no emergency lights, no mechanical issue—just cautious professionalism.
Consider this: if pilots didn’t have go-arounds as an option, they’d be forced to land in conditions they shouldn’t. By going around, they keep the high safety bar exactly where it belongs.
Passenger Reassurance Through Understanding
If you hear the engines power up and feel the jet climb instead of touching down, remind yourself: This is normal and safe. It shows the pilots are laser-focused on precision.
Here are three things to hold onto in that moment:
- You are not in danger. This is a precaution—not a reaction to crisis.
- Your pilots have drilled this hundreds of times. It’s built into their DNA.
- The system is working exactly as designed—with safety as the backbone.
Even though it might feel dramatic, this is just one of many ways modern aviation puts caution first. No rush to land. No pride about aborting. Just pure, professional judgment in action.
Quick Reminders to Carry With You:
- A go-around is a safe reset—like a cautious driver deciding to take another loop instead of squeezing into a tricky parking space.
- Pilots don’t ‘miss’ approaches. They choose to repeat when conditions demand it.
- Trust the quiet confidence of your flight crew. This is just another day at work for them.
Knowledge is your co-pilot. You’ve got this!
Fearless Flight Club
