How often do rejected landings happen?

Understanding Rejected Landings in Aviation

In the realm of aviation, even the most seasoned pilots occasionally encounter situations that require them to abort a landing attempt. Known as a rejected landing or go-around, this maneuver is an integral part of flight operations, employed to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew.

Frequency of Rejected Landings

The occurrence of rejected landings varies among pilots, and is influenced by their experience and the operating environment. While novice pilots may execute a go-around more frequently during their early flying hours, experienced pilots typically experience only a handful per year.

Triggers for Rejected Landings

Unforeseen circumstances can arise during the landing phase, prompting the pilot to initiate a rejected landing. Some of the most common triggers include:

• Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions: ATC may issue instructions to delay or cancel a landing due to changes in traffic patterns or runway conditions.
• Aircraft interference: The presence of another aircraft on or near the runway can create a conflict and necessitate a go-around to ensure safety.
• Technical issues: A malfunction with the aircraft or its systems may compromise the pilot’s ability to land safely.
• Environmental factors: Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or low visibility, can make it unsafe to land.

Safety Measures

Rejected landings are a safe and routine maneuver in aviation. Pilots undergo extensive training to master the go-around procedure, including practicing in simulators and under real-world conditions.

During a rejected landing, the pilot increases the aircraft’s thrust and climbs away from the runway. Once a safe altitude is reached, the pilot can circle or proceed to another runway for a new landing attempt.

Conclusion

Rejected landings are a standard part of aviation operations and serve as a safety measure to address unforeseen circumstances during the landing phase. While the frequency of go-arounds may vary among pilots, experienced aviators execute this maneuver with skill and precision to ensure the well-being of those onboard.