What constitutes a circling approach?

(and I don’t mean the alpha identifier after the navaid type on the approach

plate)

Why is this a Why is this a circling approach?circling approach?

(This is the easy one.)(This is the easy one.)

Final approach course Final approach course greater than 30 degrees greater than 30 degrees off runway heading.off runway heading.

084 => 050 = 34 084 => 050 = 34 degrees degrees

(see 11-217 v1, page 195)(see 11-217 v1, page 195)

Why is this a Why is this a circling approach?circling approach?

(A little more difficult.)(A little more difficult.)

Descent gradient Descent gradient exceeds 400’/NM for exceeds 400’/NM for straight in approach.straight in approach. (See 11-217 V1, pg 235 (See 11-217 V1, pg 235 & pg 237)& pg 237)

1800’ – 730’ = 1070’1800’ – 730’ = 1070’

1070’/1.6NM = 669’/NM1070’/1.6NM = 669’/NM

Why is this a Why is this a circling approach?circling approach?

(The hardest one…)(The hardest one…)

Final approach course is Final approach course is within 30 degrees of rwy within 30 degrees of rwy heading (355 => 020 is heading (355 => 020 is 25 degrees)25 degrees)

But…But…

Course doesn’t cross Course doesn’t cross extended rwy centerline extended rwy centerline prior to the runway prior to the runway threshold.threshold.(See TERPs manual, chapter 5 figure 48)(See TERPs manual, chapter 5 figure 48)

Three reasons for a circle

• Final approach more than 30 degrees off runway heading

• Descent gradient from FAF to field elevation greater than 400’/NM

• Final approach course doesn’t cross extended runway centerline prior to the runway threshold.