Commercial pilot · ACS CA.IV.N
Go-Around/Rejected Landing
A go-around is always available. The skill is deciding early and flying the sequence the same way every time: power, attitude, configure.
Why this one matters
Go-arounds go wrong when they're late, when power comes after pitch, when the nose pitches up untrimmed with full flaps, or when flaps or gear come up at the wrong moment. A complex airplane adds steps. Practicing an early decision and a fixed sequence makes the go-around routine.
Can’t miss
- •Decide early: not stabilized (on path to the touchdown zone, on centerline, on speed, configured and trimmed, normal descent rate, checklists done) by about 500 feet above the airport in visual conditions, drifting, floating long, or the runway not clear. Late go-arounds cause accidents; once you've touched down and slowed, stopping may be safer.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- •Power first: takeoff power immediately and smoothly (propeller full forward, mixture as needed), with right rudder.(Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S4)
- •Attitude: first one that stops the descent and lets speed build well above the stall, holding the power pitch-up with forward pressure (full flaps and nose-up trim make it strong) and re-trimming; then the VX or VY climb attitude.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- •Configure in two steps: once the descent has stopped, flaps up in increments to the takeoff or intermediate setting; gear up only after a positive rate of climb, rough trim, and you're sure it will stay airborne; then the rest of the flaps at a safe speed and altitude.(Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S5; Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- •Move to the side of the runway when needed to see and avoid traffic.(Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S6)
- •After accepting LAHSO, a go-around is still allowed; you must keep safe separation from other aircraft and vehicles yourself and tell the tower promptly.(AIM 4-3-11, Pilot Responsibilities When Conducting Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO))
- •Climb at VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude (VX only until an obstacle is cleared).(Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S7)
What you should know
Energy and conditions K1 · K2 · K3
- A go-around turns a low-energy approach into a climb: power, then a climb attitude, then less drag.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- At high density altitude, less power and a weaker climb: decide earlier and expect less.(PHAK (FAA-H-8083-25C), Aircraft Performance)
- Wind shapes all of it: gusts, shear, crosswind and tailwind affect stability, the decision, the ground track, the climb gradient and obstacle clearance. On the climb-out, aileron into the wind with coordinated rudder as power comes in, then crab to track the extended centerline or the side you moved to.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
Deciding and doing it early K4 · R1 · R2
- Know your gate and your triggers before starting the approach; the most common mistake is waiting too long.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- Climb at VX if there are obstacles ahead, transitioning to VY once clear; otherwise VY.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- A go-around close to the ground is riskier. The airplane may settle or bounce, and it can seem to climb in ground effect but can't climb out of it until speed builds well past the stall: hold the attitude and let the speed come.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
Power, pitch and configuration R3 · R4
- Full power promptly and smoothly; carburetor heat off if it was on, per the POH.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- Hold the climb attitude against the pitch-up from full power, full flaps and nose-up trim; re-trim.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- Flaps in increments after the descent stops, gear up after a positive rate per the POH; all flaps at once can make the airplane sink.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Transition to Complex Airplanes)
Traffic, the runway and LAHSO R5 · R8 · R9
- Move to the side of the runway so you can see traffic on it or departing.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- Once the airplane is under control, tell the tower or traffic you're going around and follow instructions; avoid runway incursions and crossing runways. With the climb stabilized, run the checklist and set up to re-enter the pattern.(AIM, Chapter 4 (airport operations); Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S1-S2, S9)
- After accepting LAHSO, if you must reject the landing, you maintain safe separation from other aircraft and vehicles yourself (don't wait for ATC) and notify the tower promptly.(AIM 4-3-11, Pilot Responsibilities When Conducting Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO))
Low and busy R6 · R7
- Low, high power, full flaps, changing pitch: the setup for a stall or an early turn into obstacles. Climb straight ahead to a safe altitude first.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings)
- Fly first: power, attitude, configuration, then the radio.(Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A))
On the flight
ACS standards
- Apply takeoff power immediately and transition to the climb pitch for VX or VY, ±5 knots.(Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S4)
- Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude, with directional control and wind-drift correction.(Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B), CA.IV.N.S7-S8)
What your instructor is watching for
Your instructor watches for a prompt decision, power before pitch, the pitch-up controlled and trimmed, flaps and gear in the right order after a positive rate, a sidestep when needed, and VY within 5 knots.
Scenarios
Decide what you would do first, then see the worked answer.
On short final, an airplane taxis onto the runway.
What do you do? See the worked answer
Go around immediately, sidestep so you can see it, and tell the tower or traffic.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings
Full power with full flaps; the nose pitches up sharply.
What do you do? See the worked answer
Forward pressure to hold the climb attitude, right rudder, re-trim, then flaps in steps.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Approaches and Landings
You accepted LAHSO and need to go around before the intersection.
What do you do? See the worked answer
Go around, keep yourself separated from other aircraft and vehicles (don't wait for ATC), and tell the tower right away.
AIM 4-3-11, Pilot Responsibilities When Conducting Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)
Common mistakes
Pitching up before adding power.
At low speed it can stall.
Instead: Power first, then attitude.
Gear up before a positive rate.
The airplane can settle onto the runway.
Instead: Positive rate, then gear.
Dumping all the flaps.
Sudden loss of lift and sink.
Instead: Retract in steps after the descent stops.
Now train it
Say it out loud, hear it asked, and take the quick check in this lesson’s practice pack. It tracks your shaky spots.
Got it?
When it feels solid, practice go-around/rejected landing out loud with our examiner.
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Teaching this? The instructor lesson plan →
Sources
- Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C): Takeoffs and Departure Climbs; Approaches and Landings; Transition to Complex Airplanes
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C): Aircraft Performance; Aerodynamics of Flight
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM): 4-3-11 (LAHSO) and Chapter 7 (wake turbulence)
- AC 91-73: Single Pilot Procedures During Taxi Operations
- Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B): Area IV
- Your airplane's POH/AFM: normal procedures, performance charts and speeds
Study aid, not FAA guidance. Regulations change; check the current text at eCFR and the ACS. Checked against current sources 2026-11-13.