How do pilots know when to abort landing?

When to Abort a Landing: A Pilot’s Perspective

As an aircraft approaches its destination, the pilot must make a critical decision: whether to continue the landing or abort. This decision is based on a combination of visual cues and regulations, which ensure the safety of the aircraft, passengers, and crew.

Visual Cues

Visual cues play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Pilots must clearly sight the runway from a predetermined altitude, known as the decision altitude (DA). This altitude varies depending on the airport and aircraft type.

If the pilot fails to make visual contact with the runway by the DA, they must immediately initiate an abort procedure. This is because the aircraft may be too low to safely continue the landing without visual guidance.

Designated Height

In addition to the DA, pilots also have a designated height at which they must abort the landing if they have not yet made visual contact with the runway. This height, typically around 200 feet above ground level, provides a margin of safety for the aircraft to climb back to a higher altitude.

Runway Visibility

The minimum runway visibility required for landing also influences the pilot’s decision. This visibility is determined by the airport’s weather conditions and the aircraft’s capabilities.

If the runway visibility falls below the minimum, the pilot may be forced to abort the landing even if they have visual contact with the runway. This is to ensure that the pilot can safely maneuver the aircraft on the ground and avoid any obstacles.

Consequences of Aborting a Landing

Aborting a landing is not a simple maneuver. The aircraft must quickly climb back to a safe altitude, which requires significant thrust and a wide turning radius. This can delay the aircraft’s arrival and cause inconvenience to passengers.

However, aborting a landing is a necessary decision when the safety of the aircraft and its occupants is at stake. Pilots are trained to make this decision swiftly and accurately, ensuring the well-being of all onboard.