When should you perform a go-around on an ILS without DME?

Performing a go-around at or beyond the Final Approach Fix is a critical decision point during an approach, particularly when flying an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach without Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). This choice is grounded in safety and operational protocols.

When you are at or beyond the Final Approach Fix, you are typically in the last segment of the approach where you have already committed to landing but are still in a position where a go-around can be safely executed if necessary. This stage allows for enough altitude and distance from the runway to maneuver safely and regain control, without the risk of getting too close to the ground or terrain.

Reaching localizer minimums, for instance, usually indicates that you are nearing an automatic decision point; if you cannot see the runway environment here, a go-around would be advisable but only if you are still capable of executing it safely without terrain conflict. Similarly, flying after the Decision Height can often be too late to initiate a safe go-around, as you might be too close to the ground and potentially in a compromised position. Finally, losing the glideslope does indicate a problematic approach, but the appropriate response typically occurs before reaching the decision height, and not specifically at the time you lose the glideslope