Go-arounds are among the most demanding maneuvers in commercial aviation, requiring rapid decision-making, high workload management, and effective coordination under time pressure. This study investigates the cognitive and operational challenges faced by airline pilots during go-arounds, with a comparative focus on First Officers and Captains. Using a cross-sectional survey of 40 commercial pilots across multiple fleets, we explored differences in perceived workload, decision-making strategies, flight path management, use of automation, and training needs. Results showed that while both groups rated go-arounds as high-workload events, first officers reported more frequent task overload and greater difficulty with automation transitions. Captains prioritized manual control and procedural recall, reflecting more internalized strategies shaped by experience. A significant difference was observed in workload mitigation strategies, indicating distinct mental models between the two groups. Both groups expressed strong support for enhanced scenario-based training, particularly involving manual flying and unexpected go-around triggers. These findings underscore the importance of aligning training programs with experience levels and improving procedural design to better support pilot performance during critical flight phases.

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Cognitive and Operational Challenges During Go-Arounds: Insights from Airline Pilots

  • İbrahim Sarıkaya,
  • Fuat Ücrak

摘要

Go-arounds are among the most demanding maneuvers in commercial aviation, requiring rapid decision-making, high workload management, and effective coordination under time pressure. This study investigates the cognitive and operational challenges faced by airline pilots during go-arounds, with a comparative focus on First Officers and Captains. Using a cross-sectional survey of 40 commercial pilots across multiple fleets, we explored differences in perceived workload, decision-making strategies, flight path management, use of automation, and training needs. Results showed that while both groups rated go-arounds as high-workload events, first officers reported more frequent task overload and greater difficulty with automation transitions. Captains prioritized manual control and procedural recall, reflecting more internalized strategies shaped by experience. A significant difference was observed in workload mitigation strategies, indicating distinct mental models between the two groups. Both groups expressed strong support for enhanced scenario-based training, particularly involving manual flying and unexpected go-around triggers. These findings underscore the importance of aligning training programs with experience levels and improving procedural design to better support pilot performance during critical flight phases.