Circling Notes

If I could only subscribe to a single aviation magazine, it would have to be Aviation Safety. Its that good. In the December 2017 article, Say Approach Request, while discussing the RNAV (GPS) Runway 35 approach at the Asheville, N.C., Regional Airport (KAVL), you say that circling west of the runway is not authorized at night. Then you say that circling west is legal in daytime, but not recommended because of the brown bits on the chart.

Key Takeaways:

• Aviation Safety magazine acknowledges and corrects an error, emphasizing that pilots must always consult current charts and never rely on memory for critical flight procedures like circling restrictions.
• Readers highlight important safety practices, such as adhering to AIM recommendations for turning crosswind within 300 feet of pattern altitude to enhance safety and visibility in traffic patterns.
• The article warns against the dangers and limited effectiveness of tower fly-bys or formation flights for landing gear checks, citing a fatal accident where a gear check maneuver led to a mid-air collision.
• While engine failures are frequently discussed for their educational value, official statistics indicate that "in-flight loss of control" is the leading cause of fatal general aviation accidents.

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