touchandgo

Touch-and-go, also written touch and go, is an aviation maneuver in which an aircraft lands on a runway and immediately takes off again, without an intervening stop on the ground. The technique is a standard component of pilot training and is used in routine operations to build skill in landing, rollout, and relaunch.

During a touch-and-go, the aircraft touches down, then continues in a short ground roll or barely slows before applying power to climb away on the next leg of the flight. It is typically performed in the traffic pattern under visual or instrument flight rules and may be done with an instructor or solo to maintain currency.

Regulatory and safety considerations vary by country and operator. In controlled airspace, pilots usually require clearance or specific ATC instructions and must adhere to airspace procedures. Operators may limit touch-and-go operations due to runway length, traffic, or safety policies.

Beyond aviation, the phrase touch and go is used metaphorically to describe a situation that is uncertain or precarious, with a decision or outcome hanging in the balance.