Landing clearance and go-around
Landing clearance = CLEARED TO LAND plus runway number. Required before touchdown at a controlled aerodrome (TC AIM RAC 4.4.3; TP 1102, Radio Communication: Tower Control Arriving).
- Normally issued automatically once on final.
- None received: request it in time.
- Still none: pull up, fly another circuit, except in an emergency. Tell tower ASAP you are overshooting.
Easy to misread:
| Situation | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
CONTINUE APPROACH, POSSIBLE PULL-UP |
Runway may not be clear | If pull-up instruction follows, before or after landing clearance: abandon approach, fly another circuit |
PULL UP AND GO AROUND |
Obstruction or hazard on runway | Stop descent, climb to circuit altitude, acknowledge GOING AROUND (NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology) |
| ATC authorizes ground traffic to cross landing runway after landing clearance | Given only with controller's assurance runway clear by your threshold crossing | Not a reason to go around |
- Pilot-initiated pull-up (no ATC instruction): advise ATC as soon as safely able. Acknowledge with
GOING AROUND(NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology).
Turn and speed instructions on final:
| Instruction | Action | Ref |
|---|---|---|
CLEARED TO LAND, TURN RIGHT AT THE FIRST INTERSECTION |
If turn not safely possible, land and turn off at nearest intersection possible commensurate with safety | PSTAR 3.17 |
| ATC asks to reduce airspeed | Comply, giving due consideration to safe minimum manoeuvring speed | PSTAR 6.11 (PSTAR wording, not in AIM) |
Other approach/after-landing phraseology (TC AIM RAC 4.4.3):
CAUTION, POSSIBLE TURBULENCE FROM LANDING(aircraft type and position)MAKE LEFT/RIGHT THREE SIX ZEROMAKE FULL-STOP LANDINGCONTACT TOWER/GROUND ON (frequency) WHEN OFF RUNWAY/NOW
Trap: Ground traffic cleared across landing runway does not put landing clearance in doubt.
References
- TC AIM RAC 4.4.3, Landing Clearance
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Landing
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Pull Up
- TP 1102, Radio Communication: Tower Control Arriving
- PSTAR 3.17, 6.07, 6.11 (TC answer key)