Approach
Go-around
Respond immediately and unmistakably to a go-around instruction.
When you use it
On final when the runway is not available or the approach is unsafe.
Example exchange
This is an illustrative example. The required elements matter more than the exact words — ICAO phraseology allows variation, and local procedures can differ.
Required information
- GOING AROUND
- Call sign
Expected sequence
- Going around
- Call sign
- Then read back any climb instruction
Read back
- Going around
- Subsequent level/heading instructions
Why it works this way
Fly the go-around first, then transmit. GOING AROUND is the phrase a pilot uses when going around (Doc 9432 §4.8.3). Transmissions to an aircraft going around are kept brief (§4.8.1); unless instructed otherwise, an aircraft on an instrument approach flies the missed approach procedure and a VFR aircraft continues into the normal circuit (§4.8.2).
Common errors
- Replying ROGER
- Delaying the go-around to ask why
References
- ICAO Doc 9432, Manual of Radiotelephony (4th ed., 2007), §4.8 — Go around
Practise it: Go-around instruction on final
Run the related simulator scenario and get item-by-item feedback on your transmissions.
Open the scenario