Go Arounds

[Skipness One Echo]

But a go-around isn't something to get flappable about.

I'm well aware of that. 99% of people aren't, hence my point about the Cabin Crew not getting that point over well and my appreciation of the Flight Deck hitting it on the sweet spot to calm things and briefly explain. It wasn't what was said, it was how it was done that impressed me.

It's not smart from your customers point of view to execute and a go around and not explain why. From most people, this is an unconventional and to some scary event regardless of what some of us know. Hence it's pretty important that they be reassured, kept in the loop and I will use the "m" word, managed.

[Nicholas49]

we did appear to be coming in a bit fast

Be careful making those kinds of allegations. You don't know that. Even if you are a professional pilot type-rated on the Airbus A320, you really can't make those judgements sitting in the cabin. There are strict SOPs governing speed limits and I'm sure your captain was obeying them.

It's not smart from your customers point of view to execute and a go around and not explain why.

I think most, if not all captains know that. That's why they will give a PA to explain why they went around when they have time, which is not immediately after the go-around!

[cuddieheadrigg]

Interesting. I have only seen one 'go around' (Edinburgh) - but what I wanted to ask, is - if the aircraft is 'flapped' to land (IE landing flaps) - does this increase drag and require more power to 'take off' again than using 'takeoff' flap settings? In a go around are flaps left where they are, or are they moved to takoff setting?

On the subject, is it acceptable to move flaps as an aircraft is rolling toward a takeoff?

[BOAC]

- yes, the flaps are retracted to take-off setting once the go-around is initiated

- small correction, JR, flap setting is reduced in a g/a, but to what is type specific eg for a 737 from 30/40 to 15 which is not a 'normal' take-off setting.

[Stu666]

Sounds like the pilot did the right thing to me, executed a go around and then explained why over the PA. I'd rather they concentrate on flying the aircraft than spend an extended period waffling about the whys and wherefores.

[cuddieheadrigg]

Thanks for that

I see a comment about 'late' decision to go around: in the instance I saw (a twin prop ATR or similat aircraft) was visible as I happened to be sitting on a hill and could see over to the airport: the plane was flying 'normally' as if to land, then immediately 'lifted off' (too far to see if the wheels touched but it was close to the runway) - anyway is there a hard rule about 'when' the aircraft should 'pull up' - I must admit I just assumed (except in emergencies) all go arounds invilved getting fairly close to the runway and this mean a fairly 'normal' climb out to help with orientation! (Just my personal idea not based on any type of research or knowledge!)