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ERAU Prof Develops Procedures To Boost Go-around Safety
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University associate professor Barbara Holder and second-year aviation PhD student, Hui (Angel) Wang have collaborated on groundbreaking research regarding flight deck procedures during go-arounds. Their findings propose new safety measures that could greatly enhance the safety of this critical aviation maneuver.
Introduction
Go-arounds, also known as missed approaches, are an essential part of aviation safety. They occur when an aircraft, for various reasons, initiates an aborted landing attempt and instead climbs back into the air to reattempt the approach or divert to an alternate destination. While go-arounds are a routine procedure, they carry inherent risks and complexities that demand meticulous attention to detail and adherence to standardized procedures.
Research Collaboration
Barbara Holder, an esteemed associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, joined forces with Hui (Angel) Wang, a talented second-year aviation PhD student, to delve into the intricacies of go-around procedures. The primary aim of their collaboration was to identify potential improvements that could refine flight deck procedures during this critical phase of flight.
Importance of Enhanced Go-around Procedures
Go-arounds can occur due to a multitude of factors such as unstable approaches, poor visibility, runway obstructions, or traffic conflicts. As such, it is crucial for flight crews to be equipped with comprehensive, standardized procedures that minimize the risk of accidents during this maneuver. Holder and Wang’s research seeks to address these safety concerns and propose key enhancements to existing go-around procedures.
Key Findings
The collaborative research effort yielded several noteworthy findings.
1. Procedural Consistency
One of the major recommendations highlighted in the research involves optimizing procedural consistency during go-arounds. Holder and Wang propose the development of a standardized checklist that systematically guides pilots through the necessary steps to ensure a safe and efficient missed approach. By establishing a consistent framework for flight crews to follow, the risk of errors and procedural deviations can be significantly reduced.
2. Crew Communication
Effective communication among flight crew members during go-arounds is imperative. Holder and Wang’s research emphasizes the importance of clear and concise communication, particularly between the pilot flying (PF) and the pilot not flying (PNF). Implementing structured communication protocols, such as read-backs and challenge-response procedures, can enhance situational awareness and prevent misunderstandings that may compromise safety.
3. Training and Simulations
The research suggests that comprehensive training and realistic simulations play a pivotal role in preparing flight crews for successful go-arounds. Holder and Wang advocate for the incorporation of go-around scenarios into pilot training programs. By exposing pilots to various challenging situations through advanced flight simulators, they can develop the necessary skills and decision-making abilities required during critical phases of flight.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Barbara Holder and Hui (Angel) Wang has shed light on crucial improvements that can be made to go-around procedures. Their research emphasizes the significance of procedural consistency, crew communication, and comprehensive training in enhancing the safety of this essential aviation maneuver. By disseminating their findings to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation stakeholders, Holder and Wang aim to foster a proactive approach towards go-around safety and ultimately reduce the potential for accidents in the aviation industry.
