The Lost Art of Circling

Monday, May 24, 2021 at 01:24 PM ET

Verified

On The Cover: These days, most instrument approaches allow a straight-in-landing and circling has become something of a lost art. But there are many operational reasons, not to mention published procedures, where circling to a landing may be preferred. See the article beginning on page 16 for more. Image by Erik Brouwer.

Key Takeaways:

Despite the increasing availability of straight-in GPS approaches, circling approaches remain a critical and often necessary maneuver for instrument pilots, especially at airports with challenging runway alignments, steep descent gradients, or specific traffic flow requirements.
Many instrument-rated pilots lack proficiency in circling approaches due to their infrequent use and lack of currency requirements, leading to increased risks from common errors such as improper management of minimum descent altitudes (MDAs), unstable approaches, and misjudging distances.
To enhance safety and proficiency, pilots should regularly practice circling approaches in good weather, thoroughly brief the maneuver (including missed approach procedures), understand expanded circling radii (indicated by the 'inverse C'), and prioritize maintaining a stable approach within appropriate categories.

See a mistake? Contact us.

With the rise in quality and quantity of GPS approaches, especially at smaller airports, the beloved circling approach is becoming an infrequently used maneuver. That’s a shame, since circling to a preferred runway after breaking out on an approach can help resolve many challenges in the IFR environment. Having the confidence to circle is one more arrow in your quiver for that dark and stormy night.

For many, myself included, the majority of circling approaches flown are in the training environment these days. Since circling is not required for instrument currency, a pilot could theoretically never exercise circling skills yet legally descend all the way down to the appropriate minimums and circle to land on their next arrival. This can present several layers of risk. Maneuvering in marginally visual conditions, low to the ground within close proximity to the airport presents challenges to even the sharpest instrument pilots. That’s one reason it’s important to practice them.