If the captain is flying an unstable approach, what should you do?

If the captain is flying an unstable approach, what should you do?

• A. Talk to the captain after landing
• B. Initiate a go-around automatically
• C. Call ATC that we are going missed
• D. Ignore and continue

Answer: (C)

When a landing approach isn’t stabilized, the safe move is to abandon that landing and execute a missed approach. The why is about keeping everyone safe: continuing an unstable approach increases the risk of a poorly controlled landing, runway overrun, or other hazards. Communicating clearly with ATC that you are going around is the best action because it immediately updates traffic sequencing and altitude requirements, allowing ATC to re-vector you and keep adjacent aircraft clear. Saying you’re going around gives ATC the heads-up to adjust other traffic and supports a smooth, orderly transition to the new approach. Waiting until after landing is unsafe, and ignoring the unstable approach is dangerous. While the actual maneuver is the go-around, you still need to inform ATC of the missed approach, which is why calling ATC that we are going missed is the strongest choice.

When a landing approach isn’t stabilized, the safe move is to abandon that landing and execute a missed approach. The why is about keeping everyone safe: continuing an unstable approach increases the risk of a poorly controlled landing, runway overrun, or other hazards. Communicating clearly with ATC that you are going around is the best action because it immediately updates traffic sequencing and altitude requirements, allowing ATC to re-vector you and keep adjacent aircraft clear. Saying you’re going around gives ATC the heads-up to adjust other traffic and supports a smooth, orderly transition to the new approach.

Waiting until after landing is unsafe, and ignoring the unstable approach is dangerous. While the actual maneuver is the go-around, you still need to inform ATC of the missed approach, which is why calling ATC that we are going missed is the strongest choice.