Circling Maneuvers - P-340

CHAPTER SEVEN

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

Visual Approaches

When it will be operationally beneficial, ATC may authorize an aircraft to conduct a visual

approach to an airport or to follow another aircraft when flight to, and landing at, the airport can

be accomplished in VFR weather. Visual approaches are initiated by ATC to reduce

pilot/controller workload and expedite arrivals by shortening flight paths to the airport. It is the

pilot's responsibility to advise ATC as soon as possible if a visual approach is not desired. The

pilot must have the airport or the identified preceding aircraft in sight before the clearance can be

issued. If the pilot has the airport in sight but cannot see the aircraft he is following, ATC may

still clear the aircraft for a visual approach, but ATC retains both separation and wake turbulence

separation responsibility. When visually following a preceding aircraft, acceptance of the visual

approach clearance constitutes acceptance of pilot responsibility for maintaining a safe approach

interval and adequate wake turbulence separation.

708.

CIRCLING MANEUVERS

Reference: AIM Section V, "Circling Minimums," NIFM Section 29, "The Circling Approach,"

FAA ATC Manual 7110, "Circling Approach."

NOTE

Because of obstacles near the airport, a portion of the circling area

may be restricted by a procedural note: i.e., "Circling NA E of

RWY 1735." It is the pilot's responsibility to review any circling

restrictions for the intended airport. These restrictions can be found

in the Approach Plates, AP1, IFR Supplement or current NOTAMs.

Circling Minimums

Published circling minimums provide a 300foot obstacle clearance when pilots remain within

the appropriate area of protection (Figure 712).

7-20 INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION