Circling Approaches

Definition

A circling approach is an instrument approach procedure (IAP) where the final segment of the approach does not align with the landing runway, requiring the pilot to visually maneuver the aircraft onto final for a different runway once the runway environment is in sight. Circling is often used when the instrument approach is to one runway but wind or operational constraints require landing on another. It combines instrument navigation with a visual traffic pattern and is one of the most demanding IFR maneuvers.

Purpose

  • Allow landing on a different runway than the one aligned with the instrument approach
  • Accommodate terrain, wind, noise abatement, or runway availability
  • Provide approach options at airports with limited instrument infrastructure

When Circling Approaches Are Used

  • Instrument approach available only to one runway but landing required on another
  • Wind favors a different runway direction
  • Runway alignment is offset or approach ends short of the runway
  • After flying an ILS, VOR, or RNAV to one runway and visually maneuvering to another

Key Characteristics

Feature Description
IFR until visual contact Pilot follows full instrument approach until runway is in sight
Visual maneuvering Once visual, the pilot maneuvers to land, usually via a partial or full circuit
ATC clearance required Must be explicitly cleared for a “circling approach”
Weather minima Higher than for straight-in approaches — category-specific (A–D)

Circling Minimums Example (ICAO)

Aircraft Category Circling Visibility Circling Radius (approx.)
A (≤ 91 KIAS) 1.5 NM 1.68 NM
B (91–120 KIAS) 1.6–2.0 NM 2.66 NM
C (121–140 KIAS) 2.4–2.6 NM 3.28 NM
D (141–165 KIAS) 3.2–3.6 NM 4.20 NM

Always consult the approach chart for exact minima.

Phraseology Examples

Situation Phrase
ATC clearance “Cleared ILS runway 10 approach, circle to land runway 28.”
Pilot report “Runway in sight, continuing circling approach.”
Missed approach “Going around, executing missed approach runway 10.”

Missed Approach Considerations

  • Always follow the missed approach procedure for the original instrument runway, unless instructed otherwise
  • Missed approach must be initiated if visual reference is lost
  • Circling may not be permitted at night or in certain terrain environments

Tips for Pilots

  • ✅ Maintain constant situational awareness — terrain, wind, obstacles
  • ✅ Stay within protected circling area for your category
  • ✅ Avoid descending below MDA until in final landing configuration
  • ✅ Use LearnATC to practice circle-to-land procedures with real-world chart overlays and variable weather

Circling vs. Visual Approach

Feature Circling Approach Visual Approach
Procedure type Part of a published IFR approach Optional, often pilot-requested
Requires instrument segment ✅ Yes ❌ Not necessarily
Weather minima Higher (category-dependent) Standard VFR minima
Missed approach Published missed approach from procedure runway May vary based on ATC instructions