Go around!
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Europe
Go around!
Nearing my 100th flight (as a pax) within 15 years I am reviewing experiences during the flights. Recently we had a German comedian with us 
One thing I still remember very well was a go around on my way back to EDDV/HAJ in 2005. Since it was the only one I experienced I'd like to know how many of those did you experience as a pax / as a pilot compared to the (approx.) number of flights you made.
One thing I still remember very well was a go around on my way back to EDDV/HAJ in 2005. Since it was the only one I experienced I'd like to know how many of those did you experience as a pax / as a pilot compared to the (approx.) number of flights you made.
Supercharged PPRuNer
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Doon the watter, a million miles from the sandpit.
Two go arounds in two years (approximately 1100 sectors) but get close to going around - as in thumb caressing the button - maybe once a month. The most common reason is a preceding aircraft being slow to roll or vacate.
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: East side of OZ
G'day sprocky_ger,
On my present type, B767, since 2002 when I started on it I have done around 1900 sectors, 5300 hours and during that time four go-arounds. One weather related the other three caused by other aircraft getting too close, TCAS RA, or dithering on the runway after landing.
Regards,
BH.
On my present type, B767, since 2002 when I started on it I have done around 1900 sectors, 5300 hours and during that time four go-arounds. One weather related the other three caused by other aircraft getting too close, TCAS RA, or dithering on the runway after landing.
Regards,
BH.
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Wet Coast
I've lost count, but I'd guess around 10 or so if you count low missed approaches too.
Miami seems to be the GA capital of the world due to the runway configuration although it may be better now with the 4th one.
Miami seems to be the GA capital of the world due to the runway configuration although it may be better now with the 4th one.
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: UK
I've done quite a few, but then I've done quite a few flights!
The likelihood of experiencing one is increased somewhat if you regularly fly in/out of certain airfields. Airfields with fair weather, long runways, standard approaches and uncrowded airspace will tend to experience fewer go-arounds (in general). However, there are no hard and fast rules since life can throw you a curve-ball - we once went around at LTN because of a deer on the runway!
The likelihood of experiencing one is increased somewhat if you regularly fly in/out of certain airfields. Airfields with fair weather, long runways, standard approaches and uncrowded airspace will tend to experience fewer go-arounds (in general). However, there are no hard and fast rules since life can throw you a curve-ball - we once went around at LTN because of a deer on the runway!
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Abu Dhabi
Lots of go arounds when I used to fly into Genoa a lot (as pax). Two flights in a row once. Most dramatic was once in Cork in an EI 732, we were already on the ground when he decided to do another lap.
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From: MAN
One
Only had one, on approach in to Malta about
15 years ago. I was on holiday with two friends....
One of whom was a VERY Nervous flyer, who then expressed
his err... concern by stating quite loudly...
"Oh god he can't find the Runway" :-) :-)
Another one I remember hearing is probably apocryphal, however,
shortly after moving up here to Stockport I seem to remember
something about seversl Llamas from an Alpaca farm wandering round
the field at Manchester. This may be just an Urban Myth up here.
Regards
DaveA
15 years ago. I was on holiday with two friends....
One of whom was a VERY Nervous flyer, who then expressed
his err... concern by stating quite loudly...
"Oh god he can't find the Runway" :-) :-)
Another one I remember hearing is probably apocryphal, however,
shortly after moving up here to Stockport I seem to remember
something about seversl Llamas from an Alpaca farm wandering round
the field at Manchester. This may be just an Urban Myth up here.
Regards
DaveA
FX Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Greenwich
Flown quite a bit and had several go arounds. PaperTiger, that includes one at Miami!
As tightslot points out, its where the flying is done that is a large factor. The bulk of my flying has been done within Europe and in the Far East/SE Asia. I've had no go arounds in Europe.
In the Asian tropics (I was mainly based in Hong Kong and Singapore) squally conditions can come and go in no time.
I recall coming back from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore and the (SQ) plane actually did a touch and go as we entered a squall. After we went around we landed on the same runway and it had virtually dried out.
Must admit, that one was a bit of a brown trouser event for me!
As tightslot points out, its where the flying is done that is a large factor. The bulk of my flying has been done within Europe and in the Far East/SE Asia. I've had no go arounds in Europe.
In the Asian tropics (I was mainly based in Hong Kong and Singapore) squally conditions can come and go in no time.
I recall coming back from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore and the (SQ) plane actually did a touch and go as we entered a squall. After we went around we landed on the same runway and it had virtually dried out.
Must admit, that one was a bit of a brown trouser event for me!
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: East side of OZ
Dunno why people get nervy about go-arounds they are only takeoffs which start airborne. We practice them several times during each sim session which in my airline we do three times a year.
A non-event in the overall scheme of things and definitely a better idea than the immediate option.
Regards,
BH.
A non-event in the overall scheme of things and definitely a better idea than the immediate option.
Regards,
BH.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Ashford Kent
As pax, this subject gives me a chance to blow my own trumpet just a little bit. I love flying (although always a little nervous) and read a lot about it, have had a couple of lessons, and have a reasonable knowledge of the ins and outs but have always wondered how I would feel/react if there was an emergency. Flying into LGW I was seated in the aisle seat with a young mum and baby in window seat. At what seemed to be a few feet above the runway on landing the nose was suddenly pointed at the sky and the engines screaming at full power. With my limited knowledge I realized it was a GA and the only thing to worry about was the reason. Heart was pounding quite a bit. The young mum looked at me and said "Oh dear, is this usual." I surprised myself by, instead of screaming "WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE, WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE," I calmly said "Oh yes, it's probably just someone slow getting off the runway in front of us or something." (Possibly true, but tell that to my pounding heart). A nervous few minutes as we circled round with no announcements. Eventually, in that calm sounding pilot voice:"Captain here ladies and gentlemen. Sorry about that." (He really sounded like that caricature of a pilot from WWII). He then went on to explain that the gear didn't deploy and still didn't with the first of the two backup systems so wisely decided to get height before trying the third (which was now deployed). We landed fine with MUCH clapping from the passengers. 
This was my first and only GA and has, at least, reassured me that I am not too much of a panicker in such situations. Don't particularly want another one though. 
This was my first and only GA and has, at least, reassured me that I am not too much of a panicker in such situations. Don't particularly want another one though.
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: UK
Bullethead: As a fairly frequent pax who has only experienced one go around so far (flying into BNA last year) I must say that I did find it somewhat nerve-wracking. I'm not a nervous flyer at all, but when it happened it did set my mind racing, especially because there was no communication from the flight deck explaining why it happened (makes you think: is there a problem on the runway or with the plane itself?? Can the pilot bring us safely down next time? etc etc)
Quite a few fellow pax were looking very nervous. No-one said anything, though. And all was fine with landing.
Point is this: it might be a relatively minor issue for the crew, but pax naturally worry, even when there isn't really any need to.
Quite a few fellow pax were looking very nervous. No-one said anything, though. And all was fine with landing.
Point is this: it might be a relatively minor issue for the crew, but pax naturally worry, even when there isn't really any need to.
Paxing All Over The World
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,842
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From: Hertfordshire, UK.
I've 45 years as a pax under my lap-belt and STILL no GA. I'm really cross about this and DEMAND my rights for a GA. 
In a previous thread about GAs, [Lucky I spotted my typo error - I had put 'FAs' and we've had more than enough discussion about them...
] flight crew remind us that they will move the aircraft out of danger and then speak to us. The work load for them is VERY high and since we are all OK down the back, they can ignore us whilst they do this manoeuvre that requires 100% of their mental and physical attention.
Since I have seen folks sleeping all the way from 'top of drop' to touchdown, I'm sure there are those who don't notice.
In a previous thread about GAs, [Lucky I spotted my typo error - I had put 'FAs' and we've had more than enough discussion about them...
] flight crew remind us that they will move the aircraft out of danger and then speak to us. The work load for them is VERY high and since we are all OK down the back, they can ignore us whilst they do this manoeuvre that requires 100% of their mental and physical attention.Since I have seen folks sleeping all the way from 'top of drop' to touchdown, I'm sure there are those who don't notice.
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: in hope
Only one G/A in thirty years of flying.
A couple of years ago on Malaysia Airlines from KUL to LHR. Was almost on the ground, or so it seemed, there was a massive surge of power and up we went at a rate that was hard to imagine. Quite a few screams and gripping of seat arms. After a couple of seconds I realised what was happening and was quite relaxed about it .
I never felt in any danger and was greatly impressed by the actions of the guys up front and the way the 747 could climb with very little fuel onboard.
A couple of years ago on Malaysia Airlines from KUL to LHR. Was almost on the ground, or so it seemed, there was a massive surge of power and up we went at a rate that was hard to imagine. Quite a few screams and gripping of seat arms. After a couple of seconds I realised what was happening and was quite relaxed about it .
I never felt in any danger and was greatly impressed by the actions of the guys up front and the way the 747 could climb with very little fuel onboard.
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: UK
I've 45 years as a pax under my lap-belt and STILL no GA. I'm really cross about this and DEMAND my rights for a GA. 
Since I have seen folks sleeping all the way from 'top of drop' to touchdown, I'm sure there are those who don't notice.
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Location, Location
Two GAs + one RTO in 30 years:
1985 - RTO at Amman, faulty indicator light on Tristar (RJ)
1987 - GA at CDG, flight in front slow to clear runway (also Tristar - BA)
1994 - GA at GLA, crosswind too strong (BA 767).
Seems like I'm overdue another!
I'm told that if they don't get at least 1 GA every day at LHR, they're not packing them in tight enough (but that may be a slight exaggeration).
1985 - RTO at Amman, faulty indicator light on Tristar (RJ)
1987 - GA at CDG, flight in front slow to clear runway (also Tristar - BA)
1994 - GA at GLA, crosswind too strong (BA 767).
Seems like I'm overdue another!
I'm told that if they don't get at least 1 GA every day at LHR, they're not packing them in tight enough (but that may be a slight exaggeration).