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Circling Approaches

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A detailed "foolproof" technique for flying circling instrument approaches is described, emphasizing maintaining an instrument scan to prevent disorientation before re-establishing visual contact for the final approach.
  • Other pilot correspondence touches on the importance of awareness regarding wide Military Training Routes (MTRs) and the potential for military aircraft to disable ADS-B, along with a tip for VFR departures from non-towered IFR airports when awaiting ATC clearance.
  • A letter corrects a prior mischaracterization of a debate concerning proper radio communication at uncontrolled airports, advocating for adherence to FAA guidance (AC 90-66B) regarding aircraft identification.
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It was delightful to see Ryan Motte’s thorough article on the circling approach (“The Lost Art Of Circling,” June 2021). It contained everything except the actual technique of flying such an approach.

A couple of decades ago, a guy who began his career flying DC-3s into small airports in the Midwest with North Central Airlines taught me a foolproof technique. In this, assume that the cloud bases are right at the minimum altitude and that it’s night, and there’s some breeze—the most challenging situation.

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