Visual manoeuvring (Circling)

Question 1

What is the definition of a Visual Manoeuvre (circling)?

Answer 1

The phase of flight after an instrument approach procedure that brings the aircraft into position for landing on a runway which is not suitably located for a straight-in approach.

Question 2

Define ‘Runway environment’ in reference to Circling

Answer 2

The runway environment includes:
- Runway threshold
- Approach lighting aids or
- other markings identifiable with the runway

Question 3

How is the circling area determined in a circling approach?

Answer 3

By drawing arcs centred on each runway threshold and joining those arcs with tangent lines.
- CAT A radius: 1.68 nm

Question 4

Descent below the MDA/H should not be made until?

Answer 4

a) required visual reference has been established and can be maintained throughout the manoeuvre;

b) the landing threshold is in sight; and

c) the required obstacle clearance can be maintained and the aircraft is in position to carry out a landing using normal ROD and angles of bank.

Question 5

What if visual reference is lost during a circling approach?

Answer 5

The missed approach procedure for that particular approach has to be followed.

The transition from circling to missed approach should be initiated by a climbing turn, within the circling area, towards the landing runway, to return to the circling altitude or higher, immediately followed by interception and execution of the missed approach procedure.

Question 6

What is OCA/H during a circling approach for a CAT A aircraft?

Answer 6

Obstacle clearance: 295 ft
Lowest OCH: 394 ft
Minimum visibility: 1 nm

Within a radius of 1.68 nm from runway threshold.

Question 7

What is the maximum speed in a circling approach (CAT A)?

Answer 7

100 kts
(Table II-5-1-2, page II-5-1-9)