Issues arising from go-arounds, often human factors related.
What can CASR Part 121 operators do?
While a go around is a normal process, it only happens occasionally. You should make sure your flight crew know when to start a go-around at any stage during any approach.
Standard operating procedures as well as training must adequately prepare flight crew to go around when required.
Smaller operators could consider adopting:
- Flight Data Analysis Program (FDAP)
- Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA)
- Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA).
This will allow enhanced insights into their normal operations. It will also improve the understanding of unstable approaches pre-cursor events that are resulting in go-arounds.
What is CASA doing or has already delivered?
CASR Part 121.200 requires operators to have procedures around stabilised approaches including when a go around is required.
The AMC/GM Australian air transport operations – larger aeroplanes advocates for operators SOPs to include the operator’s policy on the criteria for a mandatory go-around. You should reinforce this policy through training.
We have updated and released guidance on Flight Data Analysis Programmes (FDAP) air transport operations through AC 119-04. This AC provides:
- a description of the relationship between safety management systems (SMS) and FDAP
- an overview of the key elements and guidance for the establishment
- implementation of an FDAP.