Simviation Forums

I've avoided "circling approaches" like the plague.  Never done one, I don't think.

Can someone describe what this is, and all the various particulars, and under what circumstances you would ever do this?

A circling approach is usually brought on by a surface wind favoring a direction of landing not in line with the instrument approach.

[quote]A circling approach is usually brought on by a surface wind favoring a direction of landing not in line with the instrument approach.

Here again, when the weather's reported at or above circling minima, it's pilots' choice but having a pilot report of 'unable to maintain VFR circling, executing missed approach' made the straight-in, though downwind, approach acceptable.

I have always kind of wondered how much experience real-life airline pilots, flying the biggies, have with flying visual circuits (GA style) in their 400,000lb airliner.

The lack of visual references, especially at night flying so close to terrain are key factors.

Sorry but I disagree... circling approaches are perfectly safe... the circling minima is set to provide obstacle clearance.  Yes it's probablly not the best thing to be yankin' and bankin' at 600/700 feet in an airliner... but if conditions dictate you have to, well then you have to.  I do circling procedures at night, close or at minimuns quite regularly.

I used to hate it when ATC gave me a "circle to land" approach - now it doesn't bother me and I happily do them.

It all made no sense until I read this article

http://www.terps.com/ifrr/nov97.pdf