Missed approach

[s4ex]

The missed approach is studied as a standard procedure. Does it often happen in the airlines for missed approach to be performed, and is it always reported as an incident? I've experienced a missed approach on one of the flights, and thought that it is an ordinary thing for airlines, however lots of discussions on this forum make me think, that it doesn't often happen, and usually there's investigation going on afterwards.

[Torque Tonight]

A missed approach is fairly uncommon for airline pilots and therefore very rare for passengers. Because of it's rarity, many people seem to think that it is some sort of incident. It is not. It is a standard manoeuvre that is trained for, and that pilots are ready to carry out on every approach.

[Doug E Style]

You get at least one in the sim every six months. Apart from that, I've had one real one in the last seven years flying the A320.

[i_like_tea]

My sims always seem to include a few more missed approaches than one!!!!

In the last year, think i've had to do 3 missed approaches, all due to weather.

[EGAC_Ramper]

As mentioned not common occurrence, standard trained procedure though and myself 4 missed approaches over 5 years.

[WASPERNATOR]

I've had two in ten years. Both as a PAX

One on Monarch.. Near midnight, landing in foul weather at Bournemouth. Had earlier overheard crew complaining of fatigue at our departure airport. Their previous nights hotel had been booked for a (noisy) wedding. They didn't get much sleep. No idea if it had any bearing on their performance, but it was to/from an unfamiliar airport.

Second was on a BA 777. Clearly saw a Southwest 737 still on the runway as we banked right to avoid it. US, not sure which airport.

[Nicholas49]

Think I might have asked this before, but I can't remember the answer.

When does a missed approach become a go-around? Is there a general rule? Is it approach-specific?

Also, while this subject is raised, would it be fair to say that crews will avoid using the official term 'missed approach' in any passenger PA to avoid the unknowing thinking it is something other than what it actually is? (i.e. thinking it means the pilots messed up!).

[Intruder]

Many people, myself included, will use the terms "missed approach" and "go-around" interchangeably in conversation. More technically, the "missed approach" is the part of the instrument approach procedure you follow, and the "go-around" is the airplane procedure you use to initiate the missed approach.

Either one is rarely classified as an "incident," and need be reported only if unusual circumstances (engine failure, TCAS RA, wind shear, bird strike...) are the cause.

[jabird]

When does a missed approach become a go-around?

I have always assumed a missed approach is what happens when a landing gets aborted and a go around is what happens in order to line up for a second attempt.

Although, I'm not sure where the command "TOGA-TOGA" fits in to this?

Are there not also cases when an attempt to land at destination airport is aborted at this late stage, and then the aircraft diverts elsewhere. I believe that is what investigators said should have happened with the AF340 at YYZ.

In my experience as SLF out of about 200 landings, I have had one MA / GA - with BA at LCY due to high winds. Pilot came on intercom and said winds had changed three times, it was a Sunday afternoon so no-one was massively late for anything (15-20 min delay max) and we all got an aerial tour of London money could never buy