Execute a Go Around in a Cessna 172
Safety in flight sometime requires you to execute a go-around while on final approach to landing. Several reasons may exist that would necessitate a go-around: Runway incursion, overshooting the touchdown point, or if the tower instructs you to do so.
Steps
- Know that when you find it necessary to go around or if the tower instructs you to go around, immediately apply full power, move carb heat to cold and climb as you would just after takeoff.
- Push hard on the yoke to keep the nose from rising too quickly. If your flaps are fully extended, you will have to exert a lot of force as you retract the first 10 degrees of flap immediately. Then in 10 degree increments retract the flap when you have a positive rate of climb. Do not retract your flaps all at once. You will sink and crash!
- Fly slightly off the runway center-line. An offset to the right is preferred so you are able to see the runway and any aircraft that may be a hazard. Remain your assigned pattern until you are cleared to land.
- Follow normal landing procedures.
Tips
- Properly executing a go-around may save your life. At the very least, it will save you an embarrassing phone call to your national transport safety bureau.
- The mark of a good pilot is a willingness to make a go-around when necessary. Keep one hand on the throttle at all times and be prepared to apply full power if for any reason you are not satisfied that the landing will be safe.
