Instrument Flight
Flight Procedures
Once you descend to the MDA, determine if visibility is sufficient to safely complete the landing. If it is,
choose the landing pattern (Figure 45) best suited to your situation, or the one directed by the controller.
Stay at the MDA until you are in a position to execute a normal landing—ideally, the point at which you
would intercept the normal glideslope to the runway. If weather permits, fly the circling maneuver at the
normal VFR pattern altitude. Be sure to check the approach plate for any obstacles in the vicinity of the
airport.
If you cannot safely complete the landing, execute a missed approach. The applicable missed approach
procedures are those for the approach flown (not necessarily the landing runway).
Close-in Contact Circling Approach.
Too High For Straight-In or
Late Sighting of Runway.
Runway Sighted Too Late For a Base
Runway Sighted in Time to Set Up
Leg Turn.
Base Leg.
Approach Course Crosses Landing
Solid Line Shows Preferential
Runway Near Threshold.
Method When Landing Will Be Made
At Right Angle To Approach Course.
Dashed Line Is Alternate.
Figure 45: CIRCLING APPROACH MANEUVERS
Page 108
(4-01) Original
Previous Page
