Circling approach

[snippyfsxer]

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?

[olderndirt]

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

[snippyfsxer]

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

[olderndirt]

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.

[snippyfsxer]

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.

[olderndirt]

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

[-Crossfire-]

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.

[Stewy44]

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