The Balked Landing Surface is a protected, sloped plane in airport design ensuring obstacle clearance when aircraft discontinue landing, vital for safety during go-arounds.
A balked landing (sometimes baulked landing or rejected landing) occurs when pilots deliberately abort a landing at a late stage—often at or below the decision altitude/height (DA(H)), the minimum descent altitude/height (MDA(H)), or even after the aircraft has touched down. This maneuver is typically required when the approach becomes unstable, a runway incursion occurs, windshear is encountered, or the remaining runway distance is insufficient for a safe stop.
Unlike a standard go-around, which is planned and initiated at higher altitudes, a balked landing can catch the crew at a low-energy state: full flaps, gear down, idle thrust, and possibly with ground spoilers or reversers deployed. The transition from landing to climbing is rapid, demanding precise handling and prompt execution to avoid tailstrikes, aerodynamic stall, or runway excursions.
Where is it used?
How is it used?
Figure: Schematic of a balked landing, showing the late go-around phase.
The balked landing surface is a fundamental obstacle limitation surface in modern aerodrome planning. Defined in ICAO Annex 14, EASA CS-ADR-DSN, FAA AC 150/5300-13A, and other regulatory documents, it is an imaginary, sloped plane extending from the runway threshold outward in the missed approach direction.
Its function: To ensure that, should an aircraft abandon landing at a very late stage, it has a clear, obstacle-free path to safely climb away—despite being in a compromised, low-energy state.
Aircraft executing a balked landing are often slow, heavy, and have less climb performance due to configuration and engine spool-up delay. Any obstacle within this surface could cause catastrophic loss of control or collision, especially in bad weather or low visibility. Regular obstacle surveys and zoning controls are required to keep this surface clear.
Where is it used?
How is it used?
Figure: Balked landing surface geometry (EASA example).
The Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) is a protected airspace volume encompassing the approach, landing, and initial climb areas—including the balked landing surface. Its purpose: To ensure no fixed obstacles (except certain frangible NAVAIDs) exist in the most critical zones of aircraft operation—especially during precision approaches and go-arounds.
Figure: Diagram of OFZ and balked landing surface overlap.
Regulatory Table:
| Authority | Slope | Width at Threshold | Width at End (3,000m) | Length | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICAO | 2.5% | 120m (Code F) | 180m | 3,000m+ | Frangible NAVAIDs |
| EASA | 2.5% | 120m | 180m | 3,000m | Frangible, low-mass equipment |
| FAA | 2.5% | Varies | Varies | Up to 3,000m | Frangible, low-profile equipment |
| Transport Canada | 2.5% | ICAO standards | ICAO standards | ICAO | Same as ICAO |
The surface is intentionally wide and sloped to reflect real-world aircraft trajectories during baulked landings:
Practical Implications:
The balked landing surface is a critical, regulated safety area in airport design. It protects aircraft—and their passengers—during one of the most vulnerable phases of flight: when a landing is discontinued at the last moment. Proper design, maintenance, and operational discipline around this surface are vital for aerodrome certification and for the safety of modern air transport.
Related Terms:
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A balked landing (also called baulked or rejected landing) is when a pilot aborts the landing attempt at a late stage—sometimes even after touchdown—and initiates a go-around. This can occur due to runway incursions, unstable approach, windshear, or insufficient runway remaining. The aircraft is often in a low-energy configuration, making the maneuver more challenging and increasing the importance of clear obstacle-free surfaces.
Balked landing surfaces guarantee that if a landing is aborted close to the ground or after touchdown, the aircraft has a clear, obstacle-free path to climb away. Their dimensions and slopes are strictly defined by ICAO, EASA, FAA, and other authorities. Penetrations by obstacles can create serious safety risks, including controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), especially during low-visibility operations.
A go-around path is the published missed approach procedure, typically initiated at or above the decision altitude/height. The balked landing surface specifically protects aircraft that begin a go-around from below decision height or after touchdown, when performance is compromised and lateral deviations may be greater. Its geometry is designed to provide extra lateral and vertical clearance for these critical scenarios.
Per ICAO Annex 14 and EASA, the standard slope is 2.5% (1 vertical in 40 horizontal), starting at the runway threshold, 120 meters wide for Code F runways, expanding to 180 meters at 3,000 meters from threshold. Length and width may vary by authority, runway code, and local terrain. Only frangibly mounted, low-mass obstacles are permitted within the surface.
Any permanent obstacle within the balked landing surface constitutes a safety hazard. Aerodrome operators must remove, lower, or replace such obstacles with frangible, low-mass equipment. Failure to maintain a clear balked landing surface can result in operational restrictions, certification issues, or increased risk of aircraft accidents during late-stage go-arounds.
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