All-engine go-arounds in modern air transport aircraft are often a challenging task when there is a requirement to level-off at a low altitude, and many pilots have had limited preparation for this task.
The ATSB is satisfied that sufficient safety action is being taken to address the safety issue, both within Jetstar Airways and more broadly throughout the aviation industry.
During mid-2012, Jetstar Airways commenced developing its next recurrent (cyclic) training session for A320/A321 flight crew, which was delivered from October 2012. This training included the introduction of at least one ‘unscripted’ go-around (that is, a go-around introduced at one of several points during the simulator session at the discretion of the check captain). Training material presented during the cyclic session also included a detailed discussion regarding go-around requirements. The material discussed potential problems with high energy go-arounds, and highlighted the importance of moving the thrust levers to the climb (CL) detent without delay after the altitude capture (ALT*) mode engaged. Other key points included: Every approach, whether it be in the simulator or the aircraft should be viewed as a potential go-around! Consider a review of the go-around actions at some point during the approach Pushing the thrust levers fully forward will achieve TOGA thrust Be vigilant with flap lever selection.
The ATSB is satisfied that these actions by Jetstar Airways will reduce the risk associated with this safety issue for its operations.
As a result of their detailed review of go-around occurrences published in August 2013, the French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA) issued many safety recommendations. These included recommendations to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as follows:
EASA review the regulatory requirements for initial and periodic training in order to ensure that go-arounds with all engines operating are performed sufficiently frequently during training. [Recommendation FRAN-2013-022]
EASA, in coordination with major non-European aviation authorities, amend the [Certification Specification] CS-25 provisions so that aircraft manufacturers add devices to limit thrust during a go-around and to adapt it to the flight conditions. [Recommendation FRAN-2013-025]
EASA examine, according to type certificate, the possibility of retroactively extending this measure in the context of PART 26/CS-26, to the most high performance aircraft that have already been certified. [Recommendation FRAN-2013-026]
