Why would a plane almost land and take off again?

Understanding Sudden Touch-and-Go Landings: A Critical Safety Maneuver

In the world of aviation, safety is paramount. One critical safety maneuver is known as a “touch-and-go” landing, also referred to as a “rejected” or “balked” landing. This procedure involves a sudden touch down on the runway, followed by an immediate takeoff, without ever coming to a complete stop.

When is a Touch-and-Go Landing Necessary?

Touch-and-go landings are typically necessitated when the available runway length is insufficient for a full-stop landing. This can occur due to several reasons, including:

• Insufficient runway ahead: This can be caused by obstacles on the runway, such as construction equipment or disabled aircraft.
• Tailwind conditions: A tailwind significantly reduces the aircraft’s ability to stop within the available runway length.
• Wet or icy runway: Adverse weather conditions can make it difficult to maintain braking traction.
• Pilot error: The pilot may have misjudged the available runway length or approach speed.

Procedure for a Touch-and-Go Landing

When faced with a situation requiring a touch-and-go landing, the pilot follows a specific procedure:

1. Touchdown: The aircraft briefly touches down on the runway, using only enough force to maintain a safe altitude.
2. Power application: Immediately after touchdown, the pilot applies full power to accelerate the aircraft.
3. Takeoff: Once sufficient airspeed is attained, the pilot pulls back on the control yoke to lift the aircraft off the runway.

Importance of Touch-and-Go Landings

Touch-and-go landings are crucial for safety when a complete stop on the runway is not feasible. These maneuvers allow the aircraft to:

• Avoid obstacles or potential hazards on the runway.
• Safely recover from tailwind or adverse weather conditions.
• Reduce the risk of a runway overshoot or collision.

Training and Proficiency

Pilots undergo extensive training to master touch-and-go landings. Proficiency in this maneuver is essential for ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Regular practice and recurrent training help pilots maintain the necessary skills and judgment to perform these maneuvers effectively.

In conclusion, touch-and-go landings are critical safety maneuvers that are performed when a full-stop landing is impossible or unsafe. By utilizing this procedure, pilots can safely navigate challenging runway conditions and avoid potential hazards. The importance of training and proficiency in touch-and-go landings cannot be overstated, as it ensures the well-being of passengers and crew.