What should a pilot do if they notice that their landing approach is unstable?

When a pilot notices that their landing approach is unstable, performing a go-around is the most appropriate and safest course of action. An unstable approach can lead to a higher risk of accidents during landing, such as a hard landing, runway overrun, or failure to maintain the proper glide path.

A go-around allows the pilot to regain control of the situation by aborting the landing and circling back to attempt the landing again with a stabilized approach. This maneuver provides the pilot with another opportunity to assess the landing conditions, set up for a proper glide path, and ensure that all parameters are within safe limits before touching down.

Continuing with an unstable approach or attempting to correct it might add unnecessary risk, as quick fixes can lead to further complications. Landing at the nearest airport is not typically a solution for an unstable approach during landing; the best practice is to maintain control and ensure safety, which a go-around accomplishes.