Guidelines for Executing a Approach Exclusively Consisting of Circles

Guidelines for Executing a Approach Exclusively Consisting of Circles

In the world of aviation, circling-only approaches are a crucial aspect of instrument flying, especially at airports with unique or challenging environments. These approaches are published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are identified by the type of approach followed by a letter, such as "VOR-A" or "RNAV (GPS)-B."

The need for circling-only approaches arises due to several factors. For instance, if the airport layout or terrain does not permit a safe, instrument-engineered straight-in approach to any runway, circling approaches become necessary. Mountainous terrain near the airport or obstacles in the approach path can prevent the establishment of straight-in minima, necessitating circling approaches.

Another reason could be alignment and configuration issues. If the orientation of the available runways does not align with the approach direction that can be safely flown using instrument procedures, pilots are required to fly to Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and then circle to land on the appropriate runway.

Airspace restrictions and operational constraints can also necessitate circling approaches. For example, proximity to other controlled airspace, as seen at Trenton-Mercer Airport near Philadelphia’s airspace, may require complex authorizations or make straight-in approaches impractical.

It's worth noting that circling-only approach charts do not provide a Touchdown Zone Elevation (TDZE), as the approach is not aligned to any specific runway. This is another indication of the lack of straight-in options for any given procedure.

Molokai Airport in Hawaii (PHMK) is one such airport that has both a "VOR or TACAN-A" and an "RNAV (GPS)-B" circling-only approaches, neither designated for a specific runway. The protected area for circling approaches at Molokai Airport has at least 300 feet of obstacle clearance.

On the Molokai Airport's VOR-A approach, there is a crossing restriction at the fix "WUBAL" requiring pilots to cross at or above 1,940 feet. The descent from WUBAL to MAVGN, approximately 1.5NM away, requires a descent rate of approximately 1,000 feet per nautical mile, or 1,500 FPM at 90 knots, and 2,000 FPM at 120 knots.

On any circling approach, it's advisable to maintain a descent as similar to a traffic pattern as possible and avoid descending too early if below traffic pattern altitude. If ceilings and visibility are good enough, it's advisable to level off at pattern altitude instead of going down to circling MDA.

In recent years, for new or revised approaches developed after 2012, the protected area for circling approaches has been expanded. Pilots must be proficient in flying circling approaches, which require careful management of descent rates and traffic pattern procedures, especially when operating below pattern altitude.

For more information on circling minimums, distances, and the new or old criteria, visit Boldmethod's website. It's always beneficial for pilots to stay updated and well-informed about such procedures to ensure safe and efficient flying. Instead of attempting a straight-in landing, it's recommended to join the traffic pattern and fly a normal, stable approach with standard power settings and descent rates.

1. Instrument flying often requires circling-only approaches at airports with challenging environments, as published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
2. mountainous terrain or obstacles in the approach path can prevent the establishment of straight-in minima, necessitating circling approaches.
3. Airspace restrictions and operational constraints can also make straight-in approaches impractical, leading to the need for circling approaches.
4. Circling-only approach charts, like at Molokai Airport in Hawaii (PHMK), do not provide a Touchdown Zone Elevation (TDZE) due to the lack of straight-in options.
5. On circling approaches, it's important to maintain a descent similar to a traffic pattern and avoid descending too early if below traffic pattern altitude.
6. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded the protected area for circling approaches in recent years for new or revised approaches developed after 2012.
7. Pilots must be proficient in flying circling approaches, which involve careful management of descent rates and traffic pattern procedures.
8. For safe and efficient flying, pilots are advised to stay updated and well-informed about circling minimums, distances, and criteria, such as on Boldmethod's website.
9. Instead of attempting a straight-in landing, it's recommended to join the traffic pattern and fly a normal, stable approach with standard power settings and descent rates.
10. Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances and flight plans may include Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) when flying circling approaches in the aviation industry, which involves finance, transportation, and the overall industry.

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