Teaching and Learning Flying - Airplane Instrument Rating

Circling Approach

DEFINITION

SAFETY FACTORS

TOLERANCES

1. Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to a circling approach
2. Selects and complies with the appropriate circling approach procedure considering turbulence and wind shear and considering the maneuvering capabilities of the aircraft.
3. Confirms the direction of traffic and adheres to all restrictions and instructions issued by ATC and the examiner.
4. Does not exceed the visibility criteria or descend below the appropriate circling altitude until in a position from which a desent to a normal landing can be made.
5. Maneuvers the aircraft, after reaching the authorized MDA and maintains that altitude within +100 feet, -0 feet and a flight path that permits a normal landing on a runway. The runway selected must be such that it requires at least a 90° change of direction, from the final approach course, to align the aircraft for landing.

1. Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to the pilot's responsibilities, and the environmental, operational, and meteorological factors, which affect a landing from a straight-in approach.
2. Transitions at the DA/DH, MDA, or VDP to a visual flight condition, allowing for safe visual maneuvering and a normal landing.
3. Adheres to all ATC (or examiner) advisories, such as NOTAMs, wind shear, wake turbulence, runway surface, braking conditions, and other operational considerations.
4. Completes appropriate checklist items for the pre-landing and landing phase.
5. Maintains positive aircraft control throughout the complete landing maneuver.

OBJECTIVES

PROCEDURES

• Selection of the appropriate circling approach maneuver considering maneuvering capabilities of the aircraft
  1) Factors to consider
  a) Maneuvering capability of aircraft (e.g. turn radius)
  b) Altitude and airspeed (determines Category)
  c) Ceiling and visiblity
  d) Airport design (traffic flow, pattern direction
  e) Wind conditions
  f) Turbulence, wind shear
  g) Final approach course alignment
  h) ATC instructions
  i) Airport circling restrictions
  2) Patterns:
  
  
  
  
• Circling approach minimums on the selected instrument approach procedure chart
  1) Minimums section of IAP
  2) Depends on aircraft category - safest: use actual circling airspeed (e.g., 100 KIAS use Cat B circling minimum)
  3) Study IAP chart notes for factors effecting minimums (e.g., alternate altimeter setting)
• Compliance with advisories, clearances, instructions and/or restrictions
  1) Comply with ATC clearances and instructions or request amendment
  2) Study IAP chart notes for restrictions (e.g., Circling NA south of runway 9-27)
• Importance of flying a circling approach pattern that does not exceed the published visibility criteria
  If visual contact with an identifiable part of the airport is lost during circling approach (not due to banking of aircraft), then missed approach must be flown
• Maintenance of an altitude no lower than the circling MDA until in a position from which a descent to a normal landing can be made
  1) Obstacle clearance depends on remaining above MDA until in position to make normal landing
  2) Maintain altitude at least MDA +100 feet, -0 feet
  3) If below MDA and not in position to land normally, missed approach must be flown
  4) If ceiling allows, fly higher, up to normal pattern altitude during circling approach
  

• Demonstrate circling approach
• Coach student practice

• Critique student performance

COMMON ERRORS

• Failure to have essential knowledge of the circling approach information on the instrument approach chart
  1) Plan ahead
  2) Know approach(es) to expect (ATC, ATIS)
  3) Study, record, memorize key data in advance
  How low? How long? How far? Which way?
  4) Use PC or simulator to practice flying approaches, including circling, to destinations of upcoming flights
• Failure to to adhere to the published MDA and visibility criteria during the circling approach maneuver
  1) Maintain altitude at least MDA +100 feet, -0 feet
  2) If below MDA and not in position to land normally, missed approach must be flown
  3) If ceiling allows, fly higher, up to normal pattern altitude during circling approach
  4) If visibility drops below circling minimum, missed approach must be flown
• Inappropriate pilot technic during transition from the circling maneuver to the landing approach
  Precise, accurate, postive control essential in circling approach

14 CFR parts 61, 91
AIM
Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15

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