What is the typical go-around procedure in a light airplane after an unstabilized approach?

• A. Immediately reduce power and descend
• B. Apply full power smoothly, pitch up to climb, retract flaps as recommended, and establish a positive rate of climb
• C. Continue approach and land
• D. Lower nose to increase descent

Answer: (B)

When the approach isn’t stabilized, the safe move is to go around and reconfigure for a climb rather than forcing a landing. The sequence starts with smoothly applying full power to accelerate cleanly into a climb. As the airplane gains airspeed, pitch up to establish a positive rate of climb, which confirms you’ve got enough performance to climb away safely. Retracting flaps is done as recommended by the airplane’s manual to reduce drag and reach the proper climb configuration. Once a positive rate of climb is established and the aircraft is accelerating, continue the climb, coordinate with the controls, and follow the procedure to either re-enter the pattern in a stabilized way or execute the missed approach if required. This approach avoids continuing an unstable approach, which increases stall/spin risk and obstacle concern, and instead puts you back into a safe, controlled configuration.