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 high-risk visual maneuver with IFR constraints, frequently leading to accidents due to non-stabilized approaches, excessively steep banking, and premature descents below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA).
Accidents often involve pilots of faster aircraft categories flying too slowly while turning near the ground, leading to stalls or loss of control, and a general lack of proficiency in this complex maneuver.
To enhance safety, pilots should maintain a stabilized approach by making only two descents (to MDA, then final landing), maintaining constant airspeed and approach configuration, limiting bank angles to 30 degrees, and practicing the maneuver regularly in good conditions.

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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.