Goaround 21.15 manchester 09.09.09

[j4ckos mate]

i was watching the aircraft land with my son for a short while before he went to bed,

there was a go-around and lots in a holding pattern over towards /macc area tonight, does anyone know the reason why?
thanks

[Bealzebub]

No, but a go-around is a perfectly normal procedure if the runways isn't clear or if the approaching aircraft is not in a stable landing configuration at a particular height. Similarly if it is anticipated that the runway will not be clear or the aircraft is not stabilised then an earlier decision to go around may be made. They happen every day at most busy airports, and sometimes on more than one occaision.

Holding will take place if the volume of arriving traffic exceeds the ATC capacity for placing aircraft in to an approach sequence. It may also be requested by an aircraft in order to rectify a problem or delay a landing time.

The following Notice to airmen is also current for Manchester:

RWY 23R ILS OUT OF SERVICE DUE EQPT REPLACEMENT. 04 SEP 12:00 2009 UNTIL 30 SEP 12:00 2009.

This means that the instrument landing system is unusable at the current time. Aircraft will therefore be using either a non precision (VOR) approach or a visual approach to Manchester in most circumstances. This will almost certainly require greater ATC separation between arriving aircraft, resulting in a higher than normal incidence of delays. The lack of a precision approach will also likely result in a slightly higher than usual number of aircraft not being stabilised at the determined points, resulting in the decision to go-around.

[lurkio]

Runway closure then inspection due hydraulic fluid spillage. Lots of aircraft slowed down early in the rush from Europe. Well handled by London ATC IMO.

[tezzer]

Yup, I'd go with that, was on the Czech flight from Prague, and we landed around 9pm with a long hold and a very gradual descent. Aircraft was late into Prague, don't know if it was us that dumped hydraulic fluid !