Arrival and Approach Procedures Part 3

Question 1

Visual Manoeuvring (circling) area:

General.

Visual Manoeuvring (Circling) (VM(C)) is the term used to describe the visual phase of flight, after completing an instrument approach, to bring the aircraft into position for landing on a runway not suitably located for a straight-in approach. Any instrument procedure (precision or non-precision) may be used but the descent in the final segment will be to MDA/H for VM(C) as defined and calculated in 8.38. The procedure is defined as non-precision only, despite the type of approach.

The Visual Manoeuvring (Circling) Area. VM(C) is only permitted in the ____ ____. This is determined for each category of aircraft by drawing arcs related to aircraft manoeuvring speed centred on each runway threshold and joining those arcs with tangential lines. The radius of the arcs is related to:
• Aircraft ______
• Speed (for each category)
• Wind speed (assumed as __ kt throughout the turn)
• Bank angle (__° or rate 1 whichever requires less bank)

Answer 1

The Visual Manoeuvring (Circling) Area. VM(C) is only permitted in the VM(C) area. This is determined for each category of aircraft by drawing arcs related to aircraft manoeuvring speed centred on each runway threshold and joining those arcs with tangential lines. The radius of the arcs is related to:
• Aircraftcategory
• Speed (for each category)
• Wind speed (assumed as 25 kt throughout the turn)
• Bank angle (20° or rate 1 whichever requires less bank)

Question 2

Missed Approach While Circling.

If visual reference is lost while circling to land from an instrument procedure, the ______ approach specified for the instrument approach ______ must be _______. It is expected that the pilot will make a _______ turn towards the _______ runway and when overhead the aerodrome, the pilot will establish the aircraft climbing on the specified missed approach track.

Answer 2

Missed Approach While Circling. If visual reference is lost while circling to land from an instrument procedure, the missed approach specified for the instrument approach runway must be followed. It is expected that the pilot will make a climbing turn towards the landing runway and when overhead the aerodrome, the pilot will establish the aircraft climbing on the specified missed approach track.

Question 3

OCA/H for Visual Manoeuvring (Circling).

The table below shows the OCA/H for visual manoeuvring (circling) and the minimum visibility for the procedure. Beware, these are the ICAO data and are different from the JAR-OPS data which is required learning for Operational Procedures.

Obstacle clearance(m) and aircraft category

A
B
C
D
E

Lowest obstacle clearance height above aerodrome elevation(m):

A 
B
C
D
E

Minimum Visibility(NM)

A 
B
C
D
E

Answer 3

90
90
120
120
150

120
150
180
210
240

1. 0
2. 5
3. 0
4. 5
5. 5

Question 4

Visual Manoeuvring (circling) Area:

Minimum Descent Altitude/Height:

When the OCA/H is established, an MDA/H is also specified to allow for operational considerations(VM(C) MDA). Descent below MDA/H should not be made until:

(a) _____ reference has been established and can be ________
(b) the pilot has the landing _________ in sight; and
(c) the required _______ clearance can be maintained and the aircraft is in a position to carry out a landing.

Answer 4

When the OCA/H is established, an MDA/H is also specified to allow for operational considerations. Descent below MDA/H should not be made until:

(a) visual reference has been established and can be maintained
(b) the pilot has the anding threshold in sight; and
(c) the required obstacle can be maintained and the aircraft is in a position to carry out a landing.

Question 5

Visual manoeuvring (circling) area exclusions:

A sector in the circling area where a prominent obstacle exists may be ignored for OCA/H calculations if it is ______ the ___ approach and ____ approach areas. This sector is bounded by the dimensions of Annex 14, Volume I, instrument approach surfaces (see Figure I-4-7-1).
7.3.4.2 When this option is exercised, the published procedure prohibits circling within the entire sector in which the _____ is located (see Figure I-4-7-2).

Answer 5

A sector in the circling area where a prominent obstacle exists may be ignored for OCA/H calculations if it is outside the final approach and missed approach areas. This sector is bounded by the dimensions of Annex 14, Volume I, instrument approach surfaces (see Figure I-4-7-1).
7.3.4.2 When this option is exercised, the published procedure prohibits circling within the entire sector in which the obstacle is located (see Figure I-4-7-2).

Question 6

The circling MDH is referenced above -

Answer 6

Aerodrome Elevation