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