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Maneuvering Area Is Based On An Arc Drawn From The Centre of The Runway Threshold Based On

A circling approach allows an aircraft to conduct an instrument approach and then circle visually to align with a runway favored by wind conditions. It provides 300 feet of terrain/obstacle clearance and is performed between 400-600 feet above ground level. Circling approaches carry higher risk of accidents than standard approaches. The maneuvering area for circling is based on aircraft category and approach speed, with a 1.5 nm arc for category B aircraft approaching between 90-120 knots. Pilots are advised to circle with the airport on their left and certain approaches restrict circling in some directions due to terrain. Circling approaches are necessary at airports without advisory services to verify the runway is clear before landing. Special care is required in low visibility conditions

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64 views

Maneuvering Area Is Based On An Arc Drawn From The Centre of The Runway Threshold Based On

A circling approach allows an aircraft to conduct an instrument approach and then circle visually to align with a runway favored by wind conditions. It provides 300 feet of terrain/obstacle clearance and is performed between 400-600 feet above ground level. Circling approaches carry higher risk of accidents than standard approaches. The maneuvering area for circling is based on aircraft category and approach speed, with a 1.5 nm arc for category B aircraft approaching between 90-120 knots. Pilots are advised to circle with the airport on their left and certain approaches restrict circling in some directions due to terrain. Circling approaches are necessary at airports without advisory services to verify the runway is clear before landing. Special care is required in low visibility conditions

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Yogi
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J Thompson

IFR approach to a runway and once getting visual, circling to position the aircraft for landing on a
runway favoured by the wind.

The circling altitude MDA allows for a 300 ft terrain/obstacle clearance, you are usually between
400 and 600 ft agl.

Notoriously the most accident prone type of approach

If a missed approach is to be initiated, the aircraft is turned toward the centre of the aerodrome
and then complies with the missed approach procedure for the approach just completed.

Circling approaches are named “A” alpha, if there is a second circling approach, “B” etc.

This type of approach is typical of the last approach that you will do for your IFR initial and re-ride
Maintaining your circling altitude while you visually maneuvre the aircraft is an art.

Circling approaches also allow you to inspect the runway as a form of precautionary approach
prior to the decision to land.

Maneuvering area is based on an arc drawn from the centre of the runway threshold based on
the aircraft’s approach category: eg: “B” category (90-120kts) is 1.5nm. Remember the
approach category is based on the IAS you fly the approach at, basically 1.3 X Vs1. If you flew
the approach at a speed > 120kts, then you would use the altitude restrictions for category “C”

It is advisable to try and circle in such a way that you, the pilot flying, have the airport (runway) on
your left side.

Certain approaches will restrict certain sides of the approach which will preclude circling in that
sector due to higher terrain/obstacles which do not meet obstacle clearance standards.
(eg: no circling to the north of City Centre airport)
J Thompson

Circling approaches draw


arcs from the runway ends
based on the approach
speed of the aircraft
category. (eg: B: 1.5nm
based on the approach
speed of 90-121 kts.

Any airport that you fly to that has no advisory service will ask you to verify runway unobstructed
prior to landing. This basically means that you must fly a circling approach in order to come
alongside the runway and do a precautionary approach.

The circling approach is one of the most dangerous things to do when the ceiling is low and the
visibility is reduced and you have a good strong wind that may easily disorient you or make you
get fooled by the illusions created by drift. BE CAREFUL! You only have 300ft clearance from
obstacles and you must stay within your maneuvering area.

If you are doing a circling approach into an airport that is VFR and has VFR aircraft, you must
follow the VFR rules and maintain separation from the other traffic. (uncontrolled airports)
You do not have priority over them. Arrange your flight to fly overhead the airport and conform
To the PRO section listed in the CFS.

If you are the only one in the circuit and have satisfied yourself that the runway is in fact free and
clear, then you may do a straight in approach or a base to final turn at your discretion.

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