Go-Around

I consider myself an experienced airline traveler. Years of flying around the country for work back in the early 2000s made air travel routine and commonplace. On my way back from a trip last month, however, I had a new experience which greatly surprised me.

The plane was approaching Boston Logan Airport. I was in the middle seat, more concerned about finishing the movie I had started a little over two hours ago: Dune Part Two. I had ignored the warning from the entertainment system that said I might not have enough time to finish such a long movie.

I saw through the window that we were descending normally. A cold gray early evening. Boston low in the windows. Suddenly, without warning, the engines made a loud rumble and I could feel myself getting pressed back into my seat. We were ascending again, and quickly!

The ground vanished as we gained altitude. Soon we were back in the clouds, leveling off. A murmur from the passengers. The plane eventually began another approach and after a short period, we were on the ground. As we were taxiing, the captain announced "We were asked to do a go-around, as the plane ahead of us wasn't completely off the runway." Wow!

It turns out that a go-around is a well practiced maneuvers by airline pilots. Clearly our pilots put this practice to good use. And with the extra time (and judicious use of the fast-forward button), I didn't miss the end of my movie!

(by Ferry Octavian on Flickr)