Circling Approach

A Circling Approach is an extension of an instrument approach procedure where the pilot, after reaching the circling MDA and establishing visual contact, maneuvers visually to align with and land on a runway that is not directly aligned with the final approach course.

• Used when wind or terrain prevent a straight-in approach to the active runway
• Higher minima (MDA and visibility) than straight-in approaches
• Circling area radii depend on aircraft approach category (A through E)
• Pilots must maintain visual contact with the runway environment throughout the maneuver
• If visual reference is lost, a missed approach must be initiated immediately
• Some approaches are 'circling only' — no straight-in minima published