At what point should T-6 pilots initiate a go-around?

Initiating a go-around if the approach isn’t stabilized by 1,000 feet AGL is essential for ensuring safety during landing. A stabilized approach is typically defined by maintaining proper airspeed, descent rate, flight path alignment, and configuration. If any of these parameters are not met by 1,000 feet AGL, it indicates potential issues that could lead to an unsafe landing.

Choosing to go around at this point allows the pilot to reassess the conditions and try the approach again without risking a mishap on landing. This procedure helps prevent situations that could result in a hard landing or runway excursion and ensures that all necessary criteria are met for a safe touchdown.

Other options, such as identifying the runway, reaching 500 feet AGL, or deciding at the decision altitude, do not address the immediate concerns related to approach stability. They might involve different phases of the landing process but do not inherently prioritize safety in unstable conditions as decisively as the specified altitude of 1,000 feet AGL for a go-around initiation.