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Going in Circles

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article advocates for pilots to practice challenging, non-precision, non-GPS approaches, specifically the VOR-A circle-to-land, due to its complexity and the significant pilot judgment it requires.
  • These approaches are characterized by large runway offsets, reliance on timed segments for navigation, and the need for careful planning regarding minimums, obstacle clearance, and decision-making during the circling maneuver and potential missed approach.
  • Although the FAA is phasing out some circling procedures, many remain and are recognized as high-risk IFR operations, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and adherence to personal minimums.
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Many of us are in need of some instrument refreshing. After the usual winter hiatus, followed by all the restrictions of COVID-19, themrust might be thicker than usual. So once you’ve gotten reacquainted with your local ILS and LPV approaches, practice some edge cases, like a nonprecision, non-GPS approach.

One favorite is the circle-to-land. If you’re lucky enough to have an airport nearby with a VOR-A (seriously), that’s perfect for our purposes.

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