What are the basic steps in a go-around procedure at a non-stabilized approach?

• A. Apply go-around thrust, pitch to go-around attitude, retract flaps per schedule, configure gear if needed, and continue the climb on the missed approach path.
• B. Immediately descend to land.
• C. Disconnect autopilot and pitch down.
• D. Reduce thrust and maintain current configuration.

Answer: (A)

When a descent isn’t stabilized, the immediate goal is to transition to a safe flight path by going around and configuring the airplane for a climb on the published missed approach path. The best sequence starts with applying go-around thrust to ensure immediate positive thrust for a climb, then pitching to the go-around attitude to establish a positive climb attitude. Retracting flaps per the established schedule helps reduce drag while preventing excessive pitch or stress, and configuring the gear if needed avoids drag and speed issues. Finally, you continue the climb along the missed approach path to reach a safe altitude and altitude/heading for re-clearance.

This approach keeps you out of the flight-regime that caused the unstable approach, ensures a controlled and certified climb, and gets you onto the published missed approach path as soon as safely possible. Descending to land immediately contradicts the purpose of a go-around. Pushing the nose down or reducing thrust while maintaining the current configuration would prevent a proper climb and could jeopardize airspeed and obstacle clearance.