A go-around (sometimes called a missed approach) is a perfectly normal procedure. At the time of writing, I have experienced four go-arounds in approx 3,000 flights – so although it is a normal procedure, it’s also relatively rare. But, you may experience one on your next flight, or maybe you’ve already done so and didn’t know what was going on.
Watch this 4 minute video of a missed approach filmed by a passenger on a Lufthansa Boeing 747 and continue reading the article below where I will discuss possible reasons. Watch the Missed Approach Video
Everybody tells you that flying is statistically safer than almost any other mode of transport. But is this true? YES IT IS! As proof, here are a few statistics and charts;
- A US National Safety Council study showed flying to be 22 times safer than travelling by car
- 21,000 people (on average) die on the road in the US in a 6-month period. This is approximately the same amount of all commercial air travel fatalities WORLDWIDE in 40 years
- More than 3million people fly EVERY DAY.
- A Boeing aircraft takes off or lands every 2 seconds somewhere in the world – all day, every day!
Below is a chart showing a direct comparison between different modes of transport in the US. As you can see, more people died while riding a bike than on an airliner. These statistics are from 2000;
US Transportation Fatalities 2000 – Source: NTSB
This next chart shows a comparison betweeen the number of airplane accidents and the actual number of departures. You can see how safety has dramatically improved since the early days. This graphic comes from the Boeing Website.
Why Am I Still Nervous?
Many of you will look at these facts, but still believe flying to be unsafe. Despite me telling you that 1 plane in 5 million crashes, the only number you can focus on is the 1.
Try to start analysing risk in everything you do. There is a risk when you cross the road, walk up the stairs, drive a car, or any other activity. Why does flying seem like more of a risk than any of these things?
The answer is usually related to the feeling of having no control. The fear of flying is an emotional response, and it’s this that must be changed.
An expert in dealing with changing your emotional response is Tom Bunn and his SOAR Fear of Flying Program.
A big fear for many of you appears to be the possibility of engine failure. Admittedly it does sound scary, but there are a few reasons why you do not need to worry about it;
- Jet engine reliability is outstanding. The engines are built to such a high standard, and with such a degree of accuracy, that the majority of commercial airline pilots will never experience engine failure – apart from the hours of practise in the simulator.
- An aircraft can fly perfectly safely with just one engine, maintaining speed, and altitude with no problems.
- Even if ALL engines fail (highly improbable), the aircraft will be able to glide for approx 30 minutes and cover a distance of 120 miles. All the controls will continue to work as they would with full engine power
[click to continue reading this article…]
