Namaskaar, this is Captain Sandhya, and welcome to Flight Gyaan — your source for aviation explained with facts, not fear.
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In recent days, ever since the Air India crash, you’ve probably heard terms like “rejected takeoff” and “go-around” splashed across news channels.
Headlines scream — “Takeoff aborted!” or “Landing cancelled at the last minute!”
To the average traveller, it sounds terrifying.
Recently, a senior minister even claimed that during such a manoeuvre, they “came close to death.”
For those unfamiliar with aviation, that reaction might seem natural.
But here’s the truth — these are not signs of danger.
They are proof that safety systems are working exactly as they should.
Lets understand what is Rejected Takeoff
If, during takeoff, pilots or the aircraft detect any issue — an unusual vibration, a warning light, or even an animal on the runway — they apply maximum braking and stop immediately.
This split-second decision prevents trouble before it can start.
Imagine you’re speeding down the runway and suddenly — a warning light flashes, a bird crosses ahead, or there’s an unexpected vibration. In that split second, pilots slam the brakes, deploy reverse thrust, and stop the aircraft before it ever leaves the ground.
It’s like cancelling a road trip the moment your car’s check-engine light comes on — only here, the stakes are higher, and the decision is instant.
Now, let's talk about Go-Around
If, during landing, the runway isn’t clear, weather shifts suddenly, or the approach isn’t stable — pilots push the throttles forward, climb away, and try again.
This is not an emergency. It’s a planned, trained, and safe procedure to ensure the smoothest landing possible.
Picture this: you’re seconds from touchdown, and suddenly the wind shifts, the runway isn’t clear, or the approach becomes unstable.
Instead of “pushing through,” pilots power up the engines, climb away, and try again.
It’s not panic — it’s a textbook safety move that’s been rehearsed to perfection.
I know it's scary, but let's see How Common they are?
Far more than you think. Both happen every single day across the world.
Pilots rehearse them repeatedly in simulators.
Most of the time, passengers barely realise anything happened — that’s how routine they are.
● So Why the Media Hype?
Post-Air India crash, even routine safety actions get amplified as breaking news.
When a public figure calls it a “near-death experience,” it grabs eyeballs — but creates needless fear.
In truth, these actions exist to keep you safe, not because you were unsafe.
● How Pilots Train for This – Around the World
These are not “wing-it” moments. Pilots worldwide undergo simulator checks every 6 months to practise exactly these situations.
In the simulator, they face:
▲ Engine failures during takeoff at high speed.
▲ Sudden tyre bursts at V1.
▲ Runway incursions requiring instant rejection.
▲ Go-around drills in zero visibility.
From Air India in Mumbai, to British Airways in London, to Singapore Airlines in Changi, every airline follows strict international standards set by ICAO and their national authorities.
By the time a pilot handles a rejected takeoff or go-around in real life, they have practised it dozens of times in the simulator — with scenarios far worse than most real events. In aviation, avoiding risk is the real victory.
So let's talk about The Misunderstanding
Without context, a safety manoeuvre can look like a disaster narrowly avoided.
The reality? It’s the aviation system that prevented that disaster in the first place.
A rejected takeoff or a go-around isn’t a red flag — it’s a safety net.
Aviation works on one principle: Better safe than sorry.
Or in simpler terms, the system protects you before danger can even begin.
For more such clear, fact-based aviation insights, like, share, and subscribe to Flight Gyaan — because in the sky, knowledge is your best co-pilot.
This is Captain Sandhya. Stay informed, stay safe — and remember, in aviation, prevention is the ultimate protection.
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