Flaps 30 Go-Around in Severe Windshear — Is Flaps 15 a Valid Option?
I am a captain flying the B737NG and MAX.
Recently, I encountered severe windshear during an ILS approach, which led me to initiate a go-around. I did not change the aircraft configuration from the Flaps 30 landing configuration (gear down, flaps 30). However, because of the severe windshear, the airspeed fluctuated by more than ±15 knots.
I tried to keep the airspeed within limits using pitch control, but the airspeed briefly exceeded the Flaps 30 placard speed of 175 knots for a few seconds.
After this experience, I started wondering whether the Boeing Windshear Escape Maneuver must be followed strictly in every situation. In a scenario like mine—where the aircraft was already above 500 ft AGL, with a strong positive climb rate (more than +2000 fpm and stable)—would it make sense to select Flaps 15 to prevent exceeding the flap placard speed?
I’m questioning whether my thought process is flawed, and I’d like to hear how other 737 pilots think about this.