What Is Go-Around? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
A go-around is when a pilot aborts a landing approach and climbs away to try again or divert.
In plain language
It is a normal, trained manoeuvre. Reasons include an unstable approach, a runway still occupied, poor visibility or a sudden wind change.
Example
On a tracker, an aircraft that descends towards the runway, climbs again and returns for another approach has gone around.
Why it matters
A go-around is a safety measure, not a failure. If you feel the aircraft climb again just before landing, the crew has chosen to try again, and it adds only a few minutes to the flight.