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Circling Approach after an IFR Approach

Practical guide to fly a Circling Approach under FAA & EASA guidance

Circling approach is not what you practice often, similar to entering a hold manually. Last in my IPC check flight you have to, that's why I thought I'd summarize here what's important to consider.

Flying a circling approach requires precision, situational awareness, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. Whether operating under FAA or EASA regulations, executing a circling approach safely is crucial when a straight-in landing is not possible due to wind, obstacles, or runway configurations. Below, we outline the key steps and considerations for flying a circling approach in a general aviation aircraft.

1. What is a Circling Approach?​

A circling approach is a maneuver conducted when an instrument approach brings an aircraft to a runway environment, but a straight-in landing is not feasible. Instead, the pilot visually transitions to a different runway while maintaining visual contact with the airport.

Circling Approach Traffic Pattern

2. How to Fly a Circling Approach​

Step 1: Establish on Final Approach Course​

  • Fly the instrument approach to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) or Decision Altitude (DA) while maintaining proper configuration and speed for landing.

Step 2: Identify the Runway Environment​

  • Ensure you have visual contact with the runway or airport environment before descending below the MDA.
  • Check for obstacles and ensure there’s sufficient room to maneuver within the protected circling area.

Step 3: Maintain Minimum Circling Altitude​

  • Stay at or above the published circling MDA until the aircraft is in a position to make a stabilized descent to landing.
  • Keep the airport environment in sight at all times.

Step 4: Execute the Circling Maneuver​

  • Use a standard rate turn to transition from the instrument approach to the intended landing runway.
  • Avoid steep turns and large deviations that could lead to disorientation or loss of control.
  • Adjust bank angle and airspeed to maintain a stable approach.

Step 5: Transition to Final Approach​

  • Once aligned with the landing runway, descend at a controlled rate, ensuring a stable final approach.
  • Avoid excessive maneuvering that could compromise approach stability.

Step 6: Execute a Go-Around If Needed​

  • If visual contact is lost, initiate a missed approach immediately.
  • Follow the published missed approach procedure or ATC instructions.

3. Important Considerations​

  • Obstacle Clearance: Be aware of terrain and structures within the circling area.
  • Weather & Visibility: Ensure compliance with circling minimums and avoid maneuvering in marginal conditions.
  • Airspeed Control: Fly at a safe but controlled speed for maneuvering, following aircraft category-specific speed restrictions.
  • Wind Correction: Account for crosswinds when circling to avoid drifting off course.
  • Aircraft Configuration: Maintain landing configuration throughout to ensure a stabilized approach.
  • Missed Approach Readiness: Always have an escape plan in case visual references are lost. Circling Approaches Variation

4. Regulatory Differences: FAA vs. EASA​

  • FAA: Circling minimums vary by aircraft category and require remaining within a defined protected area. Loss of visual reference requires an immediate missed approach.
  • EASA: Uses ICAO PANS-OPS criteria with a larger circling area, allowing more flexibility in maneuvering but requiring continuous obstacle clearance and a stable final turn.

5. Example Circling Approach Scenario​

(Include an image similar to the provided reference, illustrating an IFR approach followed by a circling maneuver to a parallel or perpendicular runway.)

Conclusion​

Flying a circling approach is a challenging maneuver that requires thorough planning and situational awareness. Pilots should always be prepared for a missed approach and maintain proficiency in circling procedures through recurrent training. Whether under FAA or EASA regulations, the core principles remain the same: stay within protected airspace, maintain visual contact, and execute a safe and stabilized landing.