2. Circling Approach vs Tailwind

Question 1

What percent of accidents were a result of maneuvering ? (2009 Nall Report)

Answer 1

19.5% (68.7 % were fatal) Loss of control leading to stall/spin.

Question 2

Why is circling to land is not a consideration to take lightly?

Answer 2

Low altitude maneuvering in Instrument conditions increases risk.

Question 3

What are your Personal Circling Minimums ?

Answer 3

3 miles visibility, 1000’

Question 4

What are the legal minimums for the circling approach ?

Answer 4

640 ft MSL 1 SM DA wil be 622 ft above TDZE which is 700 AGL and 1 SM vis

Question 5

What is the minimum obstacle clearance designed into ircling approches ?

Answer 5

300 ft. (Not alot of room to manueuver in reduced visibility situations)

Question 6

What degrees to METARS show winds at ?

Answer 6

Relative to True North. Must account for magnetic variation of airport.

Question 7

What is common practice to increase landing distances for wet runways ?

Answer 7

Increase expected distance by 15%

Question 8

What is unusual about this runway ?

Answer 8

4 degrees PAPI (not 3) and Displaced threshhold indicating obstacles.

Question 9

What is an LDA approach ?

Answer 9

A (L)ocalizer-type (D)irectional (A)id. Localizer based approach that is not lined up with the runway.

Question 10

On approach, you have an IAS of 90 kts, and a tailwind of 10 kts, whats your ground speed ?

Answer 10

100 kts.

Question 11

Why is it a good idea to monitor your groundspeed when on approach with a tailwind ?

Answer 11

Winds can be calm near the surface, but heavier above… you need to see if you are being pushed. Important to get down to MDA from FAF.