Incomplete Circles

Not all approach procedures are aligned with the runway on which we want to land. Once we have it in sight, to get from the procedures missed approach point (MAP) to the desired runway, we may need to maneuver well within 1000 feet agl in low visibility, and do it at a relatively low airspeed to remain within airspace protected from obstacles. Its called circling to land, and is one of IFRs red-headed stepchildren: a visual maneuver, with IFR constraints.Sadly, a few of us each year prang airplanes while circling to a runway after an approach. To learn more about how and why, we looked at a collection of recent accidents during circling maneuvers. They all seem to have a few things in common, like banking too steeply in turns and letting the airplane descend too early.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Circling to land is a challenging IFR visual maneuver often associated with accidents due to factors such as excessively steep banks, premature descents, and non-stabilized approaches.
Analysis of accidents reveals common causes including descending below the minimum descent altitude (MDA), lack of proficiency in slow-speed turning maneuvers close to the ground, and mismanaging aircraft energy.
To enhance safety, pilots should adhere to strict stabilization criteria: execute only two planned descents, maintain a constant airspeed and configuration, limit bank angles to 30 degrees, and initiate a go-around if the approach cannot be stabilized.

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Sadly, a few of us each year prang airplanes while circling to a runway after an approach. To learn more about how and why, we looked at a collection of recent accidents during circling maneuvers. They all seem to have a few things in common, like banking too steeply in turns and letting the airplane descend too early.