Takeoff/go-around switch
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A takeoff/go-around switch (TO/GA: pronounced as TOH-guh) is a switch on the autothrottle of modern large aircraft, with two modes: takeoff (TO) and go-around (GA). The mode is dependent on the phase of flight; usually, on approach to land, the autopilot will be set to approach mode, therefore if the TO/GA switch is pressed it will activate the go-around mode of the autothrottle; conversely, when take-off is set on the autopilot, the switch activates take off mode of the autothrottle. On Boeing aircraft TO/GA modes are selected by a separate switch near the throttle levers, but on Airbus aircraft it is activated by pushing the thrust levers fully forward to the TO/GA detent.
Takeoff
Once an aircraft has lined up, the pilots first increase the engine power to 40–60% N1 (low-pressure compressor RPM) on Boeing aircraft, and 50% N1 on Airbus aircraft. This is done to prevent flame-out on takeoff due to compressor stall. Once the engines are confirmed to be stable, the pilots then either press the TO/GA switch, causing the thrust levers to automatically advance themselves to the appropriate power setting (on Boeings),[1] or manually advance the thrust levers to the TO/GA detent (on Airbuses).[2][3] (In Airbus aircraft, if de-rated takeoff power is desired, the thrust levers are instead advanced to the FLX/MCT detent.) In all cases, the engine speeds then increase to provide the computed take off power. Modern aircraft flight management computers will determine the power needed by the engines to take off, based on a number of factors such as runway length, wind speed, temperature, and most importantly the weight of the aircraft. In older aircraft these calculations were performed by the pilots before a takeoff. The advantage of having such a system is the ability to reduce wear and tear on the engines by using only as much power as is actually required to ensure the aircraft reaches a safe takeoff speed.
Go-around
The go-around setting is used during the approach. If a pilot finds that they are unable to land safely, or deems it necessary to go-around for whatever reason, activating this switch (usually positioned on the back of the throttle levers) will increase the power to go-around thrust. Most importantly, the TO/GA switch modifies the autopilot mode, so it does not follow the ILS glide slope anymore and it overrides any autothrottle mode which would keep the aircraft in landing configuration. On Airbus aircraft, it does not disengage the autopilot but causes it to stop following the Instrument landing system (ILS) and perform the go-around maneuver automatically. In an emergency situation, using a TO/GA switch is often the quickest way of increasing thrust to abort a landing.
On some aircraft, the TO/GA switch commands the autopilot to fly a missed approach pattern, if the autopilot is programmed to do so.[4]
See also
- China Airlines Flight 140, crash caused by inadvertent activation of the TO/GA switch on landing
- One-Two-GO Airlines Flight 269, crash caused by a failure to activate the TO/GA switch on an attempt to go around
- Atlas Air Flight 3591, crash caused by inadvertent activation of the TO/GA switch on initial approach and improper pilot response
References
- ^ p. NP.20.31, "Takeoff Procedure", Boeing 737-600/-700/-800/-900 Operations Manual. http://toulouse747.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Boeing-B737-700-800-900-Operations-Manual.pdf
- ^ "Autothrust (A/THR)", p. 5/18, A318/A319/A320/A321 Flight Crew Training Manual. https://www.737ng.co.uk/A320%20321%20FCTM%20Flight%20Crew%20Training%20Manual.pdf
- ^ "Autothrust Operational Aspects", p.2.70.5, A330/A340 Flight Crew Training Manual. http://www.smartcockpit.com/docs/A330-A340_Flight_Crew_Training_Manual_1.pdf
- ^ "TO/GA Party! How Go-Arounds Work". AeroSavvy. 2017-10-20. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
- Controlling Pilot Error: Automation By Vladimir Risukhin, 2001, ISBN 0071420479, p43-45
- Better Takeoffs & Landings By Michael C. Love, 1995, ISBN 0070388059, page 192
- http://www.fs.uni-lj.si